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Agenda Report
May 18,2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Finance Committee
FROM: Office of the City Manager - Career Services Division SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE THE CIPf MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM
OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE CALIFORNIANS DEDICATED TO
EDUCATION FOUNDATION TO RECEIVE FUNDING OF $250,000 FOR
THE STEAM PATHWAYS ACCELERATION PROGRAM AND AMEND
THE CITY MANAGER'S FY 2026 OPERATING BUDGET TO
RECOGNIZE AND APPROPRIATE THE FUNDS
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1) Find that the proposed action is not a "project" subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065 and within the meaning of State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(c) and 15378(b);and
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOD) with the Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation (CDEF) to receive funding in the amount of $250,000 to implement the STEAM Pathways Accelerations Program and execute any related documents necessary to implement the program; and
3) Amend the City Manager's FY 2026 Operating Budget by recognizing revenues and appropriating $250,000 to support program implementation, staffing, and participant wages in the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Fund (Fund 681).
BACKGROUND:
On April 22, 2026, the City was notified of an award of funding in the amount of $250,000 from the Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation (CDEF) to support implementation of the STEAM Pathways Acceleration Program.
MEETING OF 5/18/2026AGENDA ITEM NO.3
STEAM Pathways Funding Authorization
May 18, 2026
The STEAM Pathways Acceleration Program will provide paid internship opportunities to approximately 50 to 100 youth across Los Angeles County, offering between 50 and 100 hours of work experience per participant. The program is designed to develop technical skills, increase career awareness, and strengthen workforce readiness through hands-on experience in STEAM-related fields.
The Foothill Workforce Development Board (FWDB) will administer the program and serve as the employer of record, overseeing participant recruitment, onboarding, payroll, case management, and program reporting, as well as coordinating with local businesses and organizations to provide internship placements.
Key program elements include:
Paid Internships: Youth participants will receive paid work experience in STEAM- related fields
Workforce Development: Exposure to real-world work environments and career pathways
Case Management: Ongoing support, monitoring, and engagement with participants Employer Engagement: Coordination with local businesses and organizations for placement opportunities
Program Reporting: Delivery of progress and final reports documenting outcomes and performance metrics
The program is structured to maximize direct investment in participants while maintaining minimal administrative costs. The majority of funding will support participant wages and direct services.
COUNCIL POLICY CONSIDERATION:
The STEAM Pathways Acceleration Program aligns with the City Council's strategic priorities related to workforce development, youth engagement, and economic opportunity. By providing paid internship opportunities in high-demand STEAM fields, the program supports the development of a skilled workforce pipeline while expanding access to career pathways for youth, particularly those facing barriers to employment.
Additionally, the program strengthens partnerships between education, workforce development, and local employers, contributing to long-term economic vitality and community resilience.
STEAM Pathways Funding Authorization
May 18, 2026
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
The action proposed herein falls outside the definition of a "project" because it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment under section 15060 (c), and because it is a type of project covered in 15378(b).
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approval of the recommended action will amend the City Manager's FY 2026 Operating Budget to recognize revenues and appropriate $250,000 in the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Fund (Fund 681) to implement the STEAM Pathways Acceleration Program. There is no impact to the General Fund.
Respectfully submitted by,
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DAVID KLUG
Economic Development Manager
Prepared by:
MICHAEL TROGAN
Executive Director, Foothill Workforce
Development Board
Approved by:
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MATTHEW E. HAWKESWORTH
Interim City Manager