Lead applicant organizations name: big brothers big sisters of americalead applicant entity type: nonprofit 501(c)(3)lead applicant city state: tampa, flrequired partners:orange county workforce…

Lead applicant organizations name: big brothers big sisters of americalead applicant entity type: nonprofit 501(c)(3)lead applicant city state: tampa, flrequired partners:orange county workforce development board – workforce development boardpeco, howgroup, UGI corp – employersceo leadership alliance – association of employerskipp NJ schools – education partnerproposed geographic scope: (state-wide or multi-state)orange county, canorthwest floridagreater miami, flmetro chicago, ilphilly camden, PA njgreater birmingham, alservice areas and sites: (specific service areas and sites where participants will be served)total participants to be served: 350TOTAL funding requested: 2,000,000TOTAL leveraged funds: 82,500 project title name: big brothers big sisters of america: mentoring toward big futurestargeted population(s) to be served: bipoc, low-income, rural, ages 14-21PUBLIC contact information: TIM midkiff, cfaoaddress: 2502 n. Rocky point DR. Tampa, FL 33607PHONE number: 813.440.3584EMAIL address: TIM.midkiff bbbsa.orgbrief summary of the project:mentoring toward big futures combines big brother big sisters (bbbs) proven model of 1:1 mentoring to ignite the potential in all youth with evidence-informed strategies for equitable and inclusive workforce development. The collaborative project involves the society of human resource management foundation at the national level, and local partners committed to promoting post-secondary opportunities to underserved and marginalized populations, opening doors to college, vocational skills training, and gainful employment. Out of six agencies across the US, two will provide a particular focus on rural communities, addressing obstacles and disconnection that often limit experiences for youth living in those communities. Through a curriculum that includes social-emotional skills, career exploration, and personal growth, participants build confidence and professional attitudes to prepare them for the workforce. Employment experiences, both virtual and on-site, introduce youth to careers via job shadow, internships, apprenticeships, and mentoring. As a valuable partner, the shrm foundation supports each local agency in identifying local employment trends, connecting with companies and employers, and providing educational materials and trainings to help employers and mentors better support the target youth in their employment journeys. Goals for the program are for all participants to learn about new career opportunities and fields that they are not already familiar with, to provide exposure to experiences and the day-to-day for careers they have an interest in, and to connect participants to employment opportunities all with the support of a mentor that believes in them and their big future.