City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: JUNE 20, 2023 FROM: PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY WARDS: 1, 2, 3, 4 AND 5 SERVICES DEPARTMENT SUBJECT: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA – RIVERSIDE CAMPUS, RIVERSIDE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, AND THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE FOR THE UCR COLLEGE CORPS PROGRAM FOR THE TERM OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2028, IN THE AMOUNT OF $62,000 PER YEAR, WITH TWO OPTIONAL ONE-YEAR EXTENSIONS ISSUE:
Approve a Memorandum of Understanding between the Regents of the University of California – Riverside Campus, Riverside Unified School District, and the City of Riverside for the UCR College Corps Program for the term of September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2028, in the amount of $62,000 per year, with two optional one-year extensions.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council:
Approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the Regents of the University of California – Riverside Campus, Riverside Unified School District, and the City of Riverside for the UCR College Corps Program for the term of September 1, 2023 – August 31, 2028, in the amount of $62,000 per year, with two optional one-year extensions; and, Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute necessary documents for the Memorandum of Understanding, including the optional extensions and making minor and non-substantive changes.
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 which 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 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.
On December 20, 2022, the City Council approved the third amendment to the MOU to re-brand the program and change the name from University/Eastside Community Collaborative to the UCR College Corps Program. The Third Amendment was the final amendment to the MOU and all parties would like to renew their partnership and enter into a new MOU to continue to provide educational and recreational resources to at risk youth.
DISCUSSION:
The Eastside area continues to be challenged with 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 Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department continues to support the program and the benefits it brings to the Eastside Community and recommends entering into a new MOU with the Regents of University of California and the Riverside Unified School District to continue the UCR College Corps Program.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
The UCR College Corps contributes to Strategic Priority 1 – Arts, Culture and Recreation and 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 – 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:
The total fiscal impact of the five-year term of the agreement is $310,000 or $62,000 per a year. Funds are budgeted in the FY 2023/24, General Fund, Parks & Recreation-Recreation, Professional Services expenditure account number 5205000-421000. Appropriations for future fiscal years will be included in the department’s budget submissions for those fiscal years to be presented to the City Council for approval.
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
Attachments:
Memorandum of Understanding
Presentation
MOU for UCR College Corps Program ● Page 2