Teen Collaboration Initiative Grant (TCI)

Purpose

In 2015, the Portland Police Bureau reported 183 gang shootings in our community.  That is the highest annual number in Portland since the city began tracking them in 1998. To help address this phenomenon, the Mayor’s office established the Teen Collaborative Initiative (TCI) to support pro-social activities for at-risk youth.

As a part of this initiative, the City of Portland will fund seven youth service organizations in the amount of $80k, over a two-year period. These organizations lead positive activities and programming during out of school time to youth (defined as ages 10-20 years old) with a focus on youth who are impacted by violence, represent marginalized communities and/or communities of color. The Teen Collaborative seeks to decrease the amount of violence   that youth are involved in and youth exposure to negative activity. Research shows that positive networks and peer relationships can shield youth from the lure of gangs and lead them in a positive direction that includes staying in school and setting goals for the future.[1] 

Culturally Responsive Youth-Centered Supports

Youth service organizations will provide programming to trauma-impacted youth during out of school time. Grantees will employ engagement strategies that allow for youth to develop more positive interactions and activities that support the following key areas:

Leadership and Skill Development:

• Provide job skills development and youth employment support
• Increase opportunities for youth to develop interpersonal skills, such as communication, decision making, assertiveness and peer refusal skills in order to build healthy relationships
• Help youth develop familiarity with local youth centered activities and resources
• Provide youth with access to caring adults and positive role models
• Provide opportunities for youth to participate in organized sports and other physical activities

Academic Support:

• Increase opportunities to build skills, and connect youth with academic resources
• Provide academic support and tutoring  
• Provide diverse enrichment camps and activities, i.e., art, science

Community Building:

• Grantees will participate in an ongoing Youth service learning community which supports program quality improvement and networking. This network of partners will have substantive dialogue regarding best practices for youth development in Portland
• Increase youth’s exposure of local PP&R’s Teen Centers, facilities and activities

Ready Organizations

Applicants are chosen based on their readiness and expertise in engaging marginalized, trauma-impacted youth through programming, mentoring and by providing varied activities and experiences that encourage responsible decision- making and positive behaviors.

 The ongoing success of this work is dependent on the commitment and continued collaboration of youth service organizations to create and enhance programming that lowers the odds for gang affiliation and negative behavior. PP&R is looking to partner with organizations whose missions and passions for engaging teens are aligned with our core values of building resilient young adults that: are confident and strong in their identity, feel supported in making good choices for their future and are protected from the risks and challenges teens face.  

To Apply

Please see the following links for the grant application and information.  Applications are due no later than 5pm on March 15, 2019. 

• Teen Collaborative Initiative Grant Information page (printable version of information listed above)
• Teen Collaborative Initiative Grant Application

[1] Fridell, Mara. (2015). Community Gang Prevention Programs: Best Practices. 10.13140/RG.2.1.2538.1206.