City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: DECEMBER 20, 2022 FROM: PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY WARDS: 1, 2, AND 4 SERVICES DEPARTMENT SUBJECT: THIRD AMENDMENT TO MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE, RIVERSIDE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, AND THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE TO REBRAND THE UNIVERSITY/EASTSIDE COMMUNITY COLLABORATIVE FOR EDUCATIONAL AND SERVICE PROGRAMS TO THE UCR COLLEGE CORPS PROGRAM ISSUE:
Approve Third Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding between the Regents of the University of California, Riverside; Riverside Unified School District, and the City of Riverside to rebrand the University/Eastside Community Collaborative to the UCR College Corps Program.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council:
Approve the third Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding between the Regents of the University of California, Riverside; Riverside Unified School District, and the City of Riverside to rebrand the University/Eastside Community Collaborative to the UCR College Corps Program; and, Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute necessary documents for the Third Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding.
BACKGROUND:
On October 27, 2015, the City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Regents of the University of California, Riverside (UCR), Riverside Unified School District (RUSD), and the City of Riverside, forming the University/Eastside Community Collaborative (UECC). The UECC is a program that draws upon university students to provide educational and service programs to "At Risk Youth" residing or attending schools in the Eastside Community of Riverside. Trained tutors/mentors work with 1,500 students every year, helping boost their self-esteem as well as their test scores by providing educational assistance, computer assistance, recreational activities, and family-oriented events.
On September 11, 2018, the City Council approved an MOU for a three-year term beginning September 2018 through August 31, 2021. Under the term of the MOU, each party is responsible for contributing $55,000 annually to the University in support of operating expenses incurred in connection with the UECC program.
On November 15, 2019, the City Council approved a first amendment to the MOU increasing the annual contribution from $55,000 to $62,000. The first amendment extended the term to August 31, 2021.
On August 17, 2021, the City Council approved the Second Amendment to the MOU effective September 1, 2021 - August 31, 2023, with payment terms of $62,000 per year for two years.
UCR recently informed the City of Riverside that it would be rebranding the program and changing the name from University/Eastside Community Collaborative to the UCR College Corps Program. The Third Amendment renames the program and changes terminology in the agreement but does not change the effective date or payment terms of the Second Amendment. Financial terms and effective dates will remain in effect under the Second Amendment previously approved by City Council on August 17, 2021.
DISCUSSION:
The Eastside area continues to be challenged with a diverse community, crime, and high levels of economic disadvantage. The program defines "At Risk Youth" as first through sixth-grade students who reside in the Eastside or attend school at one of the designated school sites and demonstrate the potential to succeed but who are at risk of not becoming successful adults. The program also includes students who perform below the proficiency level in language arts or mathematics; are enrolled in a Title 1 School; and/or qualify as low-income based on eligibility for the "Free or Reduced Lunch Program." The PRCSD continues to support the program and the benefits it brings to the Eastside Community and agrees with the rebranding of the program from University/Eastside Community Collaborative to the UCR College Corps Program and the language change proposed with the Third Amendment. The Third Amendment is a non-financial agreement, and the financial and effective dates outlined under the Second Amendment will remain effective.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
The UCR College Corps contributes to Strategic Priority 1 – Arts, Culture and Recreation, which aims to provide diverse community experiences and personal enrichment opportunities for people of all ages The action contributes to Goal 1.1. – Strengthen Riverside’s portfolio of arts, culture, recreation, senior, and lifelong learning programs and amenities through expanded community partnerships, shared use opportunities, and fund development; and Goal 1.5 by providing educational and literacy development for the youth of the Eastside area.
Community Trust – The UECC MOU promotes the public good of the community by bringing educational resources to low-income areas. The program focuses on youth who may not have the resources and support available to assist them in their educational journey.
Equity – The program focuses on “At Risk Youth" in the Eastside community, providing educational and recreational resources to youth in areas where resources may not otherwise be provided.
Fiscal Responsibility – The City of Riverside, the Regents of the University of California and Riverside Unified School District all share the costs of providing the program and contribute in-kind services to the program.
Innovation – The program provides opportunities for “at risk” youth to participate in classes that are technology-based, providing technology skills needed in the education system and workforce.
Sustainability & Resiliency – Educating and engaging the youth of Riverside promotes sustainability by preparing youth for educational advancement and the workforce.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the Third Amendment to this Agreement.
Financial Terms were previously approved by City Council under the Second Amendment and shall still apply to the program. The City contribution to this program is $62,000 annually and funds are in the Fiscal Year 2022/23 General Fund, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, Professional Services account no. 5205000-421000.
Prepared by: Pamela Galera, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Certified as to
availability of funds: Edward Enriquez, Interim Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer
Approved by: Kris Martinez, Assistant City Manager Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
Attachment: Third Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding UECC MOU Amendment