News
Our next Barrier Buster Grant opportunity will be available in February 2021!
What is the Barrier Buster Request for Proposal?
The Barrier Buster Request for Proposal is an opportunity for O2L to expand its’ reach and support of out-of-school-time. This funding opportunity aims to target barriers which directly impact youth attendance and retention, or youth engagement within out-of-school time programs. OST providers can request up to $10,000 for the cycle in which they apply.
Who can apply?
Any free or fee-based OST provider with a 501c3 status (minimum of 2 years) and serving youth 5-18 years-old during out-of-school time hours.
Public and charter schools running an OST program on their campus are eligible to apply for this grant. Schools are encouraged to work with their OST provider (if applicable) or their district’s grant department/ foundation.
For question about the Barrier Buster process email Tiffany Echevarria ([email protected]) or Krystal Perez ([email protected]). For questions about e-Cimpact please email [email protected].
Our next Barrier Buster Grant opportunity will be available February 2021!
What is the Barrier Buster Request for Proposal?
The Barrier Buster Request for Proposal is an opportunity for O2L to expand its’ reach and support of out-of-school-time. This funding opportunity aims to target barriers that directly impact youth attendance and retention, or youth engagement within OST programs. OST providers can request up to $10,000 for the cycle in which they apply.
Who can apply?
Any free or fee-based OST provider with a 501c3 status (minimum of 2 years) and serving youth 5-18 years-old during out-of-school time hours.
What are the Requirements?
- Application: Applicants must answer all application questions and submit a program budget. To review application questions, see here. Applications must be submitted on e-Cimpact.
- Project Budget: Please provide a minimum of one price quote for program purchases over $500. Project Budget should be specific and itemized:
- Program Revenue (all associated donations, i.e. cash and in-kind)
- Program Expenses (all items with associated costs; indicate which expenses will be paid for with O2L Barrier Buster funds.)
- Supporting Documents: Applicants must also submit an IRS 501(c)(3) designation letter (minimum of 2-year status), the most recently completed IRS Form 990 Income Tax Return (filed within the last 3 years), and a signed copy of the Anti-Terrorism Patriot Act form (also found within the resource center on e-Cimpact).
- e-Cimpact: All applications and supporting documents must be submitted on e-Cimpact. Please watch the pre-recorded Barrier Buster proposal conference linked in the timeline and next steps below. The URL link to e-Cimpact is required to create a login and to submit a Barrier Buster application.
Questions
For questions about the Barrier Buster process email Tiffany Echevarria at [email protected] or Krystal Perez at [email protected]. For questions about e-Cimpact please email [email protected].
Intro to the Active Participatory Approach
Wednesday, December 2, 2020, 10:30-11:45 am
Youth programs can be optimized for youth needs, motivation, and engagement. The Active-Participatory Approach to youth work was designed to address these goals. This youth-centered approach is the foundation for the Youth Work Methods Series
Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 10:30 am-11:45 am
Do you know the difference between active learning and “hands-on” learning? Giving youth materials is just the beginning. This interactive workshop introduces strategies for incorporating active learning and helps participants create more powerful learning opportunities for youth.
Thursday, December 10, 2020, 10:30 am -11:45 am
Are you providing young people with authentic, meaningful choices throughout your program? Does your program reflect the input of the youth involved? Research shows that quality programs incorporate youth input at both activity and organizational levels. This workshop will emphasize the importance of offering real choices and meaningful participation to youth, and nurturing youth leadership. This interactive workshop is focused on providing meaningful choices within activities and opportunities for youth input within the youth program itself.
Saturday, December 12, 2020, 10:30 am-11:45 am
Do you know what it takes to build an emotionally and physically safe space for youth? Building an emotionally safe community of peers and adults is essential for youth to learn and develop as individuals. This interactive workshop will introduce participants to a variety of activities designed to support the community building process.
Wednesday, December 16, 2020, 10:30 am- 11:45 am
Do you communicate with youth in a way that makes them feel supported and heard? This workshop introduces communication techniques that help you build more supportive, youth-centered relationships. Participants learn how to ask effective questions, listen actively to youth, and offer youth encouragement rather than praise.
Change your balance with SaverLife. Did you know that 39% of Houstonians are unable to cover an unexpected expense of $400 without going into debt, according to the 2020 Kinder Houston Area Survey? United Way THRIVE, in partnership with JPMorgan Chase and SaverLife, is launching the Houston Saves campaign focused on helping small business owners and their employees build an emergency savings fund through the SaverLife platform. Every month that an individual saves $30, they are matched $20 – for up to 6 months. Participants will also receive $5 just for signing up! Due to the impact that the pandemic has had on income and savings among small businesses and their employees, the campaign is focusing on that audience, however anyone who is interested in participating is invited to sign up. |
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The Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative (HILSC) released a new report today, Communities Torn Apart: The Impact of Detention and Deportation in Houston. This report addresses the manner in which the existing immigration system impacts our community, including an overview of the processes by which a staggering number of Harris County and Houston-area residents are detained and deported, often without legal representation.
The report was published in anticipation of a vote today, November 10, at the Harris County Commissioners Court, which is expected to allocate $2 million in funding for the Immigrant Legal Services Fund, as well as $500,000 for immigration legal representation for victims of crimes. This $2.5 million allocation to fund immigration legal services would be the largest in Texas and on par with funds for large cities nationally.
Houston Leads will hold a press conference later today after the vote – watch the livestream on the Houston Leads Facebook page!
Since 2018, Houston Leads has urged the Commissioners Court to allocate a sufficient amount to help meet the growing need for legal representation in deportation proceedings in Harris County, particularly among low-income residents.
The Center for Safe and Secure Schools is offering free, responsive, and timely professional development on Implicit Bias Awareness. After hearing concerns and data trends from several area school districts regarding disproportionate student discipline infractions, this implicit bias awareness training will be a critical component in establishing and maintaining restorative practices within school discipline approaches to build and enhance school climate and culture. This 8-hour Implicit Bias Awareness Series is a 4-Session Series and will convene on the following dates from 4:00-6:00 p.m.:
Mondays: November 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th (each participant must be present for each session).
Registration is required.
The Center for Safe and Secure Schools is offering this opportunity to participate in this series on a first come, first serve basis.
Early childhood has been a top priority for Judge Hidalgo since she entered office. Last week, the Judge proposed and Harris County Commissioners Court approved the Early Childhood Impact Fund (ECIF), which will invest up to $10 million in programs and interventions with significant potential to dramatically improve early childhood outcomes in Harris County.
We are now reaching out nationally seeking proposals from public, private, and nonprofit entities for both the implementation of ECIF initiatives and, separately, independent evaluation of those efforts:
· Implementation: Request for Proposals (to apply for ECIF funding to launch or expand early childhood initiatives)
· Evaluation: Request for Proposals (to apply to independently evaluate the ECIF-funded initiatives)
We will hold information sessions for each of the Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Sign up by emailing Sandra Melancon with Harris County Purchasing at [email protected], who will share the relevant call-in information.
· Implementation: Tuesday, November 17th at 2pm (for those interested in applying for ECIF funding, but anyone can attend)
· Evaluation: Thursday, November 19th at 10am (for those interested in applying to serve as independent evaluator, but anyone can attend)
More information can be found here.
1 CPE credit available for each live webinar • Level: Basic • No prerequisites • Free to attend
You and your board members are invited to join the conversation and advance your skills at Excelling Together 2020, Weaver’s Not-for-Profit CPE Series. Our half-day series features presentations and networking opportunities to keep you informed and connected.
Creative Fundraising in a Virtual World: Erica Yaeger, Chief External Affairs Officer, North Texas Food Bank
1:00 – 2:00 PM CST Register
Kicking off our series, Erica Yaeger, Chief External Affairs Officer, North Texas Food Bank, shares her firsthand experience in developing innovative fundraising opportunities that engage donors in our new virtual world.
Communicating with the Board: Rob Nowak, Partner in Tax Services, Weaver
2:30 – 3:30 PM CST Register
Sharing critical financial data can become challenging when board members have varied experience and understanding of not-for-profit accounting. This session offers insight on the financial reports your board finds most valuable and how best to present that information.
Building an Inclusive and Diverse Board
Live Panel Discussion
4:00 – 5:00 PM CST Register
Weaver brings together a panel of not-for-profit diversity experts to discuss the challenges of creating a diverse board and what not-for-profit leaders can do to encourage board participation from all backgrounds.
Dr. Froswá Booker-Drew, Vice President of Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances, State Fair of Texas
Ronnie Hagerty, Assistant Vice President of Community Relations, United Way of Greater Houston
This webinar is for all levels of accountants, finance professionals and CFOs. Please note that each person should register and attend individually in order to receive CPE credit.
Thursday, November 5, 2020, 10:30-11:45 am
How do you prevent chaos in a youth environment without stifling the positive energy of youth? Youth need structure and clear limits in order to feel safe. This interactive workshop helps participants analyze the level of structure in their programs and practice identifying and maintaining clear limits.
Saturday, November 7, 2020, 10:30-11:45 am
Do you know the difference between active learning and “hands-on” learning? Giving youth materials is just the beginning. This interactive workshop introduces strategies for incorporating active learning and helps participants create more powerful learning opportunities for youth.
Wednesday, November 11, 2020, 10:30-11:45 am
Do you know what it takes to build an emotionally and physically safe space for youth? Building an emotionally safe community of peers and adults is essential for youth to learn and develop as individuals. This interactive workshop will introduce participants to a variety of activities designed to support the community building process.
Tuesday, November 17, 2020, 10:30 am- 11:45 am
Do you communicate with youth in a way that makes them feel supported and heard? This workshop introduces communication techniques that help you build more supportive, youth-centered relationships. Participants learn how to ask effective questions, listen actively to youth, and offer youth encouragement rather than praise.
We are nearly a week away from celebrating the 2020 Lights On Afterschool in Houston. This year will feel very different because of COVID restrictions, but it has NOT stopped us from creating a list of Spirit Week ideas to help you celebrate both safely and socially distanced with your youth. Post your activities on social media and tag us @out2learnhou and #lightsonhou for an opportunity to win prizes.
In addition to Spirit Week, we have included some awesome downloads to get your social media and virtual meetings into the Light On Afterschool Spirit!
Finally, check out the Instagram Filters created by the Afterschool Alliance to celebrate Lights On Afterschool.
HAPPY LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL!
Browse Resources
Resources for News
- Out 2 Learn Barrier Buster
- Barrier Buster Grant
- DECEMBER WORKSHOPS
- Houston Saves
- Communities Torn Apart: The Impact of Detention and Deportation in Houston.
- Implicit Bias Awareness Series
- Early Childhood funding opportunity in Houston / Harris County
- Excelling Together 2020: Not-for-Profit Virtual CPE Series
- NOVEMBER WORKSHOPS
- 2020 Lights On Afterschool