This agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the nonprofit organization special service for groups, INC

Specifically, the project will train and empower youth in climate change, environmental advocacy, leadership development, and civic engagement, further enabling them to play a meaningful role in local government decision-making. This assistance agreement provides full federal funding in the amount of $1,200,000. Preaward costs are approved back to 11/01/2024. See terms and conditions.activities:the activities include developing and implementing a comprehensive curriculum on environmental justice, leadership development, civic engagement, and advocacy; developing comprehensive youth outreach and recruitment strategy; and preparing and supporting youth to serve in collaborative governance activities or an environmental advisory board (city commissions such as environmental, parks and recreation, transportation, planning, etc.)subrecipient:SSG/apifm will work closely with several collaborating entities (CES) to implement the myarc program, including active SAN gabriel valley (asgv), arlington garden, LA compost, nature for all (N4A), and treepeople (TP). Each of these CES will provide direct support with planning and implementing respective modules based on their areas of expertise. Asgv operates with a mission to support a more sustainable, equitable, and livable SAN gabriel valley. For over a decade, asgv has advocated for improved multi-modal transit, safe bike lanes, and promoted bicycle education. Arlington garden operates pasadena's only public garden and was built through years of community advocacy on land that lay dormant after community members opposed the extension of the 710 freeway. LA compost manages a series of compost hubs through partnerships in communities of color in order to divert uneaten food from the waste stream. N4A is a coalition of organizations that ensure underserved communities have access to nature by protecting public lands, creating green spaces, and fostering connections with the outdoors. TP support local communities to take action for the environment by planting and caring for trees in forests, mountains, and parks. TP also empowers people to green their local neighborhoods especially in the face of severe climate change impacts. These CE partnerships will support our capacity and reach to collect meaningful input from the target community in the design, development, and implementation of the phase 1 modules. CE collaboration will also ensure that program participants can learn about the impactful work other local organizations are doing to address environmental justice and climate issues.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include develop 1 year curriculum consisting of 27 interactive program modules covering key themes of EJ, leadership development, civic engagement, and advocacy; design recruitment materials; conduct community outreach reaching 500 youth/year; recruit a total of 90 youth (30 per year) to participate in the program; sign community engagement agreements with at least five (5) collaborating entities; implement modules and curriculum with 90 youth (3 cohorts of 30 youth annually). The expected outcomes include increased staff capacity to deliver EJ education, established partnerships with collaborating organizations. Well-defined program curriculum with interactive modules ready for implementation; increased collaboration among staff, statutory partner/collaborating entities, and other key stakeholders; strong foundation for youth engagement, including identification and development of youth-led projects, informed by pre-program survey data and feedback. Program that can be adapted/replicated in other communities; marketing campaign geared toward SAN gabriel valley youth target audience; completed program application and selection criteria. Successful recruitment of target youth; established partnerships with collabora