Posting Language
Title
Approve a resolution authorizing the submission of an application for, and acceptance of, grant funding from the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division for the Go ATX Youth Project, and to designate the Director of the Austin Public Health Department as the official authorized to apply for, accept, reject, agree to, alter, or terminate the grant and the return of all lost or misused grant funds to the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division. Funding: $400,005.44 is available from the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division. A City funding match is not required.
De
Lead Department
Austin Public Health.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $400,005.44 is available from the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, Truancy Prevention Grant Program for the project period of September 1, 2025 - August 31, 2026. Grant award received on November 7, 2025, with an award approval due within 45 days. A City funding match is not required.
Prior Council Action:
April 24, 2025 - Council approved Resolution No. 20250424-111 authorizing the acceptance of the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, Truancy Prevention grant in the amount of $114,527.00, on an 11-0 vote
July 20, 2023 - Council approved Resolution No. 20230720-104, which approved acceptance of the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, Truancy Prevention grant in the amount of $401,937.98 which approved acceptance of grant funds for this project on an 11-0 vote. .
July 20, 2023 - Council approved Ordinance No. 20230720-103, which approved acceptance and appropriation of the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, Truancy Prevention grant in the amount of $401,937.98 which approved acceptance of grant funds for this project on an 11-0 vote.
For More Information:
Adrienne Sturrup, Director, 512-972-5010; Donna Sundstrom, Assistant Director 512-972-5038; Derrick McKnight, Program Manager 512-972-4785; Juanita Jackson, Business Process Consultant, 512-972-6163.
Additional Backup Information:
The goal of the Austin Public Health Austin Youth Development (AYD) program is to provide employment services to youth ages 17-22. Youth are considered full-time, temporary employees and are encouraged to participate in training and education programs, such as GED or diploma programs, tutoring, and educational career guidance. In addition, there is a mentoring component which includes appropriate behavior, social skills, interview skills, and career and life goal setting.
The Go ATX Youth Project serves as a preventative measure for youth and young adults at risk of not receiving high school credit due to poor attendance. Staff go to the schools at least twice a week to deliver career development and life skills to students. The staff utilizes the 40 Developmental Assets Framework, a nationally recognized curriculum promoting youth leadership and relationship development, to educate youth on self-worth, critical thinking, and future planning.
In Fiscal Year2025-2026, the Go ATX Youth Project will ultimately serve over 350 youth in three different focus areas: the in-school sessions at Austin high schools, the Teen Programs at parks and recreation centers, and through summer internships, apprenticeships, trade work opportunities, and various certifications. The project collaborates with professionals from around the Austin area, exposing youth to various career paths. To this end, the Go ATX Youth Project is a safe and restorative measure to assist youth in making positive choices.
The Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Grant Reimbursement Form (GRF) that was submitted for this grant was for a lower amount than the awarded total. The GRF request was in the amount of $241,000, while the award is $400,005.44. This initial grant setup reflects the $241,000 included in the GRF, and a recommendation for Council Action will be processed to appropriate the remaining funds.