Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of an agreement with the Quality of Life Foundation for the Emerging Leader Summer Internship Program in an amount not to exceed $50,000. Funding: $50,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of the Economic Development Department.
De
Lead Department
Austin Economic Development.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $50,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of the Economic Development Department.
Prior Council Action:
Council has previously authorized the negotiation and execution of an agreement with the Quality of Life Foundation for the Emerging Leadership Summer Internship Program, without objection, on the following dates: June 5, 2025; May 30, 2024; July 20, 2023; May 19, 2022; and July 29, 2021.
For More Information:
Michael Cummins, Director, 512-974-2612; Dr. Chiquita Eugene, Youth Initiatives Office Administrator 512-972-5004.
Additional Backup Information:
The Emerging Leader Summer Internship Program (ELSIP) is an initiative of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Bank of America, which provides up to 32 internship opportunities to youth ages 15 to 18. The program leverages public and private funding to place low-to-moderate- income teens in summer jobs to which meet a critical need for summer youth employment. The national unemployment rate for youth ages 15 to 19 was 14.4% as of April 2026 and rates are higher in many states and for certain demographic groups, such as the 18.5% unemployment rate for African-American youth.
Bank of America awards funding to the Quality of Life Foundation, which in turn reimburses the City for program expenses up to $50,000 per year. This program is administered by Austin Economic Development Youth Initiatives staff. The program provides summer engagement and learning opportunities for at-risk teens, including on-the-job work experience to best prepare youth to enter the workforce. At conclusion of program, ...
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