1 Southeast Community Center
Access Program
Advancing digital literacy and career outcomes for Southeast residents.
April 08, 2025
Elise Washington
Community Benefits | External Affairs
Services of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Southeast Community Center Background
• The Southeast Community Facility
was built to offset the environmental
and social impacts of the Southeast
Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• The facility was envisioned as a
vibrant community hub, where
southeast residents of all ages can
come together to learn new skills,
access education and economic
opportunity.
• Education programs, job skills
development, senior programs, low-
cost childcare, and full employment of
residents of chronically economically
depressed areas of the City are
required to be offered at the center.
2 3
Access Program Timeline
The Access Program helps deliver on the education, job skills, and senior programming commitments outlined in the historic Southeast mitigation agreement. 1986
1800 Oakdale
Southeast Community
Facility Commission
constructed
1979
Southeast
Historic
Mitigation
Agreement
adopted
2023
The SECC Access
Program launched to
address the digital
literacy divide in
Bayview-Hunters Point
2021
SFPUC and the Mayor’s
Office of Housing and
Community Development
issue joint Access Program
Request for Proposals
2020
SFPUC conducted extensive
community engagement process
to seek community input for
programming at the new
Southeast Community Center
2022
Southeast Community
Center opened at 1550
Evans Ave
The Access Program grant
was awarded to the top-
ranked applicant Five Keys
Schools and Programs
Northern California
2024
Nearly 100
community residents
are served through
the Access Program
4 Access Program Services
Technology Loaner Program
Classes and Workshops
Industry-Recognized Skill-Based Training
5 Access Program Impact
In FY 23-24:
• Nearly 100 individuals accessed
one or more services.
• 98% of individuals served
accessed tech support or internet
services.
• 61% of individuals served self-
reported living in 94124, 94134,
and 94107.
• 63% of individuals served are
aged 45 years and older.
Proposed Grant Changes
• Grant award not to exceed
$200,000 annually.
• Expand career training, job
placements, and workforce
development services.
• Implement performance metrics
and service standards to evaluate
the impact of the program for
customers.
6 Client Testimonials
"Thank you very much for having this
service. We really do need this service
when we’re starting again, and I
appreciate you guiding us."
– Access Program Participant
7 Thank you!
8 AGENDA ITEM
Public Utilities Commission
City and County of San Francisco
DEPARTMENT External Affairs Bureau
AGENDA NO.
8 MEETING DATE
April 8, 2025
Calendar: Regular Calendar
Project Manager: Elise Washington
Approve Southeast Community Center Digital Equity Operator Grant Program Revisions
Summary of Proposed
Commission Action:
Approve Southeast Community Center Digital Equity Operator Grant Program revisions to increase the annual grant award to a total not -to-exceed amount of $200,000; and authorize the General Manager to execute a grant agreement under the revised Grant program.
Background: The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) Southeast Community Center Digital Equity Operator Grant Program supports technology literacy in the historically underserved Bayview -Hunters Point neighborhoods as critical skills - based training. The Program has been serving the community since 2022. To build on the success of the P rogram
, and rigorously address digital literacy and
workforce issues for residents in the Southeast neighborhoods, we are seeking approval to increase the annual grant amount from $125,000 to $200,000.
Southeast Community Center History
In 1979, San Francisco’s southeast communities organized and successfully advocated for a community center located at 1800 Oakdale Avenue as part of an agreement to offset the effects of the Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant on surrounding communities.
On October 22, 2022, the SFPUC opened the new Southeast Community Center (SECC) at 1550 Evans Avenue in San Francisco, replacing the facility at 1800 Oakdale Avenue. The SECC is a state- of-the-art, 40,000-square-foot, three-story, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ( LEED) gold building with two acres of open space. The SECC is a hub for the local community to gather, learn, play, and grow.
Through a strategic partnership model, the SECC offers programming to promote the health, well -being, cultural, educational, and financial empowerment of the Bayview-Hunters Point community as the primary beneficiaries as well as the greater San Francisco c ommunity. Such programming meets mitigation requirements to address the environmental and social impacts of the SFPUC’s Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant’s expansion in the 1970s and 1980s on the residents of the Bayview-Hunters Point community.
Southeast Community Center Access Program Overview
In September 2020, the SFPUC conducted an extensive and comprehensive Execute Agreement: Approve Southeast Community Center Digitial Equity Operator Grant Program Revisions.
Commission Meeting Date: April 8, 2025
community outreach and engagement process to seek community input on the types of programming they would like to access at the new center. More than any other option, respondents requested access to current technology and open space to work on personal and professional projects. That feedback was taken to the Southeast Community Facility Commission and the Community Programs Advisory Committee, and SECC staff began exploring options to implement the program. Through that effort, SECC staff identified existi ng programming at the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) centered on digital literacy and technology access.
In July 2021, MOHCD and SFPUC issued a joint Request for Proposals to solicit SECC Access Program services. In September 2022, following a competitive evaluation process, a grant was awarded to the top-ranked applicant (Five Keys Schools and Programs Northern California). The current grant expires on June 30, 2025, and is valued at $125,000 per year.
In September 2023, the SECC Access Program launched. Nearly 100 community residents annually are provided with free membership and access to technology tools to improve their digital literacy and skills.
Subject to approval by the Commission to amend the Program rules and increase the annual grant amount to $200,000, the SFPUC will award a new grant agreement following a competitive process. To implement the Program under a new grant agreement, the SFPUC will assume direct grant management functions to ensure conformance with performance monitoring requirements set forth by the Controller’s Office. The Program will continue successful element s of the current program and expand on the following activities:
(1) Connect community members to digital skills training and apprenticeship programs offered through city-funded or privately-funded workforce development initiatives particularly in technology occupations; (2) Host workshops, in partnership with digital skills focused organizations and experts to support current and aspiring local entrepreneurs with using technology tools and navigating small business resources; (3) Maintain partnership with workforce development organizations and employers, organize career fairs and other related events that connect community members to jobs and increase their professional network; (4) Facilitate outreach and engagement activities to reach communities most in need of digital literacy services; and,
(5) Participate in evaluation efforts to ensure the SECC Digital Equity Operator continues to refine service offerings. These changes reflect SFPUC’s commitment to support the successful elements of the program that are working, and provide direct oversight to and support of the operator to improve programmatic outcomes and ensure conformance to recently established City grant performance standards.
SFPUC staff recommend that the Commission adopt the proposed program revisions:
1. Increase the annual grant award to a total not-to-exceed amount of Execute Agreement: Approve Southeast Community Center Digitial Equity Operator Grant Program Revisions.
Commission Meeting Date: April 8, 2025
$200,000.
2. Expand service offerings as described above.
3. Implement performance metrics and service standards that allow SFPUC to evaluate the impact of the program for customers and further refine services according to evolving needs. Examples include collecting reports based on clearly defined service objectives and outcome measures, conducting annual performance monitoring, surveying program participants, and auditing records.
Scope of Contract: Grant Deliverables
The grantee may use grant funds for all reasonable and necessary expenses to implement the scope of services. Grant requirements and deliverables include:
Digital Skills Training
1. Host regular classes (minimum 2 sessions per week) that teach basic digital skills including but not limited to computer basics, online safety and security, productivity applications (Google Suite, Microsoft Office, etc.), and other entry level skills.
2. In partnership with community-based organizations, host workshops (minimum 2 sessions per month) to support current and aspiring local entrepreneurs with using technology tools and navigating small business resources.
3. Host career exposure events (minimum 4 events per year) for participants interested in information systems and technology career pathways. Content may be delivered by Digital Equity Operator staff directly or outsourced to training providers with subject matter expertise.
4. Successfully connect at least 50 community members annually to skill- based training and apprenticeship programs that target entry-level positions within high growth, in-demand technology job fields, including but not limited to software engineers, cybersecurity, IT support, data analytics, tech sales, digital marketing, and video and motion graphics.
The selected Digital Equity Operator will facilitate with skilled training providers to bring short-term training to the Center and provide referrals and support to participants on enrolling and completing prerequisites to ensure their success.
Career Services
1. Offer 1:1 appointments for a minimum of 15 hours per week to support career exploration and job readiness. Services should include career assessments, career coaching, digital job readiness, resume development, and interview preparation.
2. In partnership with SECC community partners, participate in career fairs or other related events to promote the Access Program at community events. Ensure that program participants are aware of and prepared for Execute Agreement: Approve Southeast Community Center Digitial Equity Operator Grant Program Revisions.
Commission Meeting Date: April 8, 2025
these events.
Community Engagement and Evaluation
1. Facilitate outreach and engagement activities to reach communities most in need of digital literacy services. Examples of activities include marketing services (ad buys, social media, print materials), promotion of programs at neighborhood events or within community gathering spaces (e.g., educational institutions, religious institutions, nonprofit organizations, local businesses), or street outreach by community ambassadors.
2. Participate in evaluation efforts to ensure the SECC Digital Equity Operator continues to refine service offerings to be directly responsive to community and labor market needs. These activities are anticipated to be led by SFPUC staff or contractors, but the Digital Equity Operator will be expected to participate in this process and implement recommended changes.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
To be eligible, a grant applicant must be 501(c)(3) non- profit organization with a demonstrated track record of at least three years providing programs in San Francisco related to digital literacy, skills -based training, career exploration, and/or sector-based training.
The competitive solicitation process includes a publicly advertised request for proposals, followed by a scored evaluation process. T he evaluation process will consist of review for completeness and a scoring of the responses by an objective selection committee comprised of SFPUC employees and subject matter experts from other city departments.
Grant Agreement and Amount
If the Program is approved by this Commission, the SFPUC General Manager will award one grant agreement to the highest-ranked proposer. The initial grant award will be $400,000 over two years ($200,000 per year). The grant amount does not include the cost of program equipment, classroom furniture, or rent, which are provided by SFPUC at the SECC.
Further details can be found in the attached Digital Equity Operator Grant Program Rules.
Budget & Costs: Funds will be available at the time of award of the grant agreement from Wastewater Operating Budget.
Not-to-Exceed Amount: $400,000 ($200,000 per year for an initial 2-year term) Number of Grants: 1
Program Cap: Anticipated at $200,000 per year, contingent on funding availability.
Execute Agreement: Approve Southeast Community Center Digitial Equity Operator Grant Program Revisions.
Commission Meeting Date: April 8, 2025
Schedule: Anticipated Advertisement Date: April 21, 2025 Estimated Notice of Contract Award: June 15, 2025
Duration: 2 years, with option to extend, at the SFPUC’s sole discretion, for up to 3 additional years.
Environmental Review: This action does not constitute a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines section 15378(a) because there would be no physical change in the environment.
Attachments: DIGITAL EQUITY OPERATOR GRANT PRORAM RULES
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
City and County of San Francisco
RESOLUTION NO.
WHEREAS, The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) has identified digital literacy, education, and industry recognized skills-based training priorities that help meet the programmatic and service requirements set forth in the Southeast Mitigation agreement; and
WHEREAS, The SFPUC’s digital literacy, education, and industry recognized skills-based training strategies aim to expand the number of Southeast residents and entrepreneurs who are trained in high-growth in demand technology careers and skills at the SFPUC and beyond; and
WHEREAS, To implement its digital skills, education, and industry recognized skills-based training strategies, the SFPUC has established the Southeast Community Center Access Program through which the SFPUC hopes to serve approximately 130 individuals annually through offerings related to technology careers at the SFPUC and beyond; and
WHEREAS, The Digital Equity Operator Grant will leverage existing digital skills, education, and industry recognized skills-based training programs that provide individuals from San Francisco with learning and career awareness opportunities; and
WHEREAS, This action does not constitute a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines section 15378(a) because there would be no physical change in the environment; and
WHEREAS, SFPUC staff propose revising the SECC Digital Equity Operator Grant Program revisions to increase the annual grant award to a total not-to-exceed amount of $200,000 and for SFPUC to assume direct grant management functions to ensure conformance with performance monitoring requirements set forth by the Controller’s Office; and now be it
RESOLVED, That this Commission hereby approves the SECC Digital Equity Operator Grant Program revisions to increase the annual grant award to a total not-to-exceed amount of $200,000, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Commission authorizes the General Manager, following a competitive process, to execute a grant agreement under the revised SECC Digital Equity Operator Grant Program, with a term of two years and an option to extend at the sole discretion of the SFPUC for up to three additional years.
I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission at its meeting of April 8, 2025.
Director of Commission Affairs
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
1 DIGITAL EQUITY OPERATOR GRANT PROGRAM RULES
I. Grant Program Overview and Purpose
The Digital Equity Operator Grant Program will provide high-quality digital literacy, technology access, skill-based trainings, and economic development services to Southeast residents and the broader San Francisco Community.
In a coordinated effort between the SFPUC, Southeast Community Facility Commission (SECFC), Southeast Community Center (SECC) staff, and city partners, this grant program will advance the following objectives:
• Provide a minimum of 130 participants annually with one or more services/activities that help them to grow their digital skills, annual earnings, or capacity for career advancement; • Enroll a minimum of 65 participants annually in skills -based training programs, either offered directly or through partnership with existing training providers; • Support a minimum of 52 participants annually to complete training; and • Support a minimum of 32 participants annually to be placed in unsubsidized employment, a registered apprenticeship, or an advanced educational program.
The SFPUC anticipates awarding one (1) grant. The initial grant award will be $400,000 over two (2) years ($200,000 per year). SFPUC may elect to increase or decrease the grant award following the initial task order term based on budget availability and successful grantee performance.
II. Eligibility Requirements for Grant Applicants
Grant applicants must be 501(c)(3) non- profit organizations with a demonstrated track record of at least three (3) years providing programs in San Francisco related to digital literacy, skills-based training, career exploration, and/or sector-based training.
The SFPUC is interested in funding grantees that that demonstrate one or more of the following desired qualifications:
• Experience providing services to the diverse communities that live and work in district 10 neighborhoods (e.g., Bayview, Hunters Point, Potrero Hill and/or Visitation Valley). • Existing relationships with other community- based organizations and training providers that can offer resources or workshops that complement the service offerings of the program.
• Existing staff capacity to serve participants with diverse needs, such as individuals with limited educational attainment, English learners, and people with disabilities. • The ability to utilize leveraged resources, in the form of committed grant funds, staffing, marketing, promotional resources, or other assets that are not covered by this grant.
2 III. Grant Deliverables
Grantees shall utilize grant funds for all reasonable and necessary expenses to implement the scope of services outlined in the Digital Equity Operator RFP. Grant requirements and deliverables are:
Digital Skills Training
• Host regular classes (minimum 2 sessions per week) that teach basic digital skills including but not limited to computer basics, online safety and security, productivity applications (Google Suite, Microsoft Office, etc.), and other entry level skills.
• In partnership with community-based organizations, host workshops (minimum 2 sessions per month) to support current and aspiring local entrepreneurs with using technology tools and navigating small business resources.
• Host career exposure events (minimum 4 events per year) for participants interested in information systems and technology career pathways. Content may be delivered by Digital Equity Operator staff directly or outsourced to training providers with subject m atter expertise.
• Successfully connect at least 50 community members annually to skill -based training and apprenticeship programs that target entry -level positions within high growth, in- demand technology job fields, including but not limited to software engineers, cybersecurity, IT support, data analytics, tech sales, digital marketing, and video and motion graphics. The selected Digital Equity Operator will facilitate with skilled training providers to bring short-term training to the Center and provide referrals and support to participants on enrolling and completing prerequisites to ensure their success.
Career Services
• Offer 1:1 appointments for a minimum of 15 hours per week to support career exploration and job readiness. Services should include career assessments, career coaching, digital job readiness, resume development, and interview preparation.
• In partnership with SECC community partners, participate in career fairs or other related events to promote the Access Program at community events. Ensure that program participants are aware of and prepared for these events.
Community Engagement and Evaluation
• Facilitate outreach and engagement activities to reach communities most in need of digital literacy services. Examples of activities include marketing services ( e.g. ad buys, social media, print materials), promotion of programs at neighborhood events or within community gathering spaces (e.g., educational institutions, religious institutions, nonprofit organizations, local businesses), or street outreach by community ambassadors. 3 • Participate in evaluation efforts to ensure the SECC Digital Equity Operator continues to refine service offerings to be directly responsive to community and labor market needs.
These activities are anticipated to be led by SFPUC staff or contractors, but the Digital Equity Operator will be expected to participate in this process and implement recommended changes.
IV. Selection Process and Criteria
Grantees will be selected through a competitive solicitation process that includes a publicly advertised request for proposals and a scored evaluation process involving an impartial selection committee.
Applicants will be required to submit a written grant application that provides details on how the applicant meets the eligibility requirements and will meet the goals and objectives outlined in the solicitation.
The selection committee will be comprised of SFPUC employees and subject matter experts from other city departments. The City will not include SFPUC/City staff involved with the preparation of this solicitation on the selection committee. Individuals affiliated with applicant organizations, including those with affiliated immediate family members, are not eligible to serve on the selection committee. The selection committee will base its determination on its collective experience and knowledge of community needs, as well as the overall program goals, and the quality of the written grant requests. The selection committee will score applications using the following point scale:
Grant Request Components Point Scale
Request Cover and Checklist 2 points
Grant Request Narrative
1. Applicant History
2. Applicant Qualifications
3. Staffing Plan
4. Proposed Activities and
Outcomes
53 points
Outcomes and Evaluation 25 points
Budget and Compliance 20 points
Total 100 points
V. Performance Evaluation
Quarterly Reporting and Presentations to the SECFC
The Digital Equity Operator will be required to submit quarterly Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reports and present to the SECFC twice per year. KPI reports will include, at minimum, the following metrics:
• Number of participants served through classes, workshops, technology loaner program, 1:1 appointments, or drop-in services
4 • Number of enrollments and completions
• Participant demographic trends (e.g., zip code, race/ethnicity, gender (including non- binary), age, and income)
• Number of events and attendees (e.g., basic digital literacy classes, small business digital workshops, and career exposure)
• Participant success stories, demonstrating increase in skill sets, wage gains, job placement, or successful career advancement
Performance Measurement – Client-based Key Performance Indicators Activity Description Metric (minimum)
Participants served Number of unduplicated participants served per year through one or more services.
130
Participants
enrolled in training
Number of unduplicated participants per year that are
enrolled in industry-recognized certified training
programs (either offered directly by the Operator or
referred to outside training programs).
65 Participant
completion
Number of unduplicated participants per year that
complete a certified training program.
52 Participants placed Number of unduplicated participants per year that are placed in unsubsidized employment, a registered
apprenticeship, or an advanced educational program.
32 VI. Use of Grant Funds – Eligible Expenses
The following expenses are encouraged to be included in the project budget, or covered under other leveraged resources:
Staff Compensation (Direct expense). Salary and associated benefits for program staff responsible for managing equipment, conducting case management, providing training, leading marketing activities, coordinating programming with the SECC and outside training providers, and leading reporting and program evaluation activities.
Program Supplies and Materials (Direct expense). Any necessary materials needed to execute training activities. Examples include paper, printer ink, pens, pencils, post it notes, etc. Please note, eating is not allowed in the program space so, if budgeting for food, it should solely be for activities occurring outside of the space (e.g., food for events, snacks for volunteers).
Subcontractor Costs (Direct expense). Costs associated with individuals or organizations that provide a portion of the client -facing services. Examples include, but are not limited to, training providers, outreach coordinators, and marketing firms. Budgets may include specific subcontractors by name, or categories of services.
Fiscal Management Fees (Direct expense). Fiscal management fees may be charged for fiscally sponsored projects and the administration of subcontracts. If applicants intend to bill fiscal management fees, SFPUC expects the rate to not exceed 12%. If applicants intend to budget for more than 12%, justification in the budget narrative is required.