WDB Youth Council Committee 5 4/30/2025
W
orkforce Development Board
Youth Council Committee Special Meeting Minutes
April 30, 2025
CALL TO ORDER Chairperson
AT
TENDANCE Committee members present:
Acev edo, Annino, Russell-Garcia,
Tucker, Varnum
Committee members absent:
Jimenez-Hami, Martinez, Sandoval
Staff members present:
Deborah Sanchez, Sandy Barba,
Bianca Zurita
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
1. Excused Absences
Recommen
ded Action: Excuse Absent Committee Member(s).
2. Regular meeting minutes of February 13, 2025
Recommen
ded Action: Approve minutes.
Moved by Commi ttee Member Varnum, seconded by Committee Member Russell-Garcia to Approve Consent Calendar items.
YES: 5 – Robert Tucker, Dennis Varnum, Sandy Annino, Jackie Russell-Garcia, Carlos Acevedo
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 3 – Ana Jimenez-Hami, Jorge Martinez, Anthony Sandoval
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 3 – Pass
***END OF CONSENT CALENDAR***
WDB Youth Council Committee 5 4/30/2025
BUS
INESS CALENDAR
3. Ranking of Youth Provider Request for Proposals for Program Year (PY) 2025-27 Reco
mmended Action:
Accept the review committee's ranking of youth proposals for a 2- year procurement period ending June 30, 2027, to award future Youth Provider agreements utilizing federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds.
Recommend that the Workforce Development Board and City Council execute an agreement with Working Wardrobes for $200,000 and Standup for Kids for $200,000 for a one- year period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
Moved by Committee Member Varnum, seconded by Committee Member Russell-Garcia to Approve.
YES: 5 – Robert Tucker, Dennis Varnum, Sandy Annino, Jackie Russell-Garcia, Carlos Acevedo
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 3 – Ana Jimenez-Hami, Jorge Martinez, Anthony Sandoval
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 3 – Pass
Minutes: Sandy presented the item and offered detailed information, including background context, key points, and any relevant updates to ensure a clear understanding of the matter.
Bob Tucker thanked staff for their hard work and commitment during the RFP process.
Committee engaged in Q & A session.
4. Renewal of Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) Youth A
greement for Program Year (PY) 2025-2026
Recommended Action: Recommend City Council award a one-year agreement with the Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) in the amount of $200,000 for Program Year 2025-2026. Subject to the availability of Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act youth funds.
Moved by Committee Member Varnum, seconded by Committee Member Annino to Approve.
WDB Youth Council Committee 5 4/30/2025
Y
ES: 5 – Robert Tucker, Dennis Varnum, Sandy Annino, Jackie Russell-Garcia, Carlos Acevedo
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 3 – Ana Jimenez-Hami, Jorge Martinez, Anthony Sandoval
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 3 – Pass
Minutes: Committee engaged in Q & A session.
The Committee recommends amending the Agreement to serve 25 youth using $250,000, contingent upon available funding.
***E
ND OF BUSINESS CALENDAR***
REPORTS
5. Program Operator Reports
a.
YSPN – Sandy submitted a report outlining the current status, providing context, and highlighting key changes or concerns.
b. Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center – Andrea delivered a report summarizing the program status and background.
COMMENTS
6. Staff Member Comments
Mi
nutes:
Deborah Sanchez – Last week, the President signed an executive order focused on workforce development programs, with an emphasis on strengthening the workforce. The order also indicated an intent to expand apprenticeship opportunities, with an implied focus on improving data collection. The work center is in the process of being renovated to enhance its layout and overall usability.
Santa Barba – spoke regarding the youth job fair at SA College collaborated with Santa Ana College and the Chamber of Commerce. Over 80 employers, and over a thousand youths applied at many employers, it was a well- organized eveSpoke about the recent Youth Job Fair held at Santa Ana College, organized in collaboration with the College and the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce. The fair brought together over 80 employers and more than 1,000 young participants. Many attendees applied for jobs on- site. The event was well-organized and served as a valuable opportunity for young job seekers to connect directly with employers.
WDB Youth Council Committee 5 4/30/2025
7. Youth Council Committee Member Comments
Mi
nutes:
Dennis Varnum – attended a career job fair at Garden Grove Adult Center, connected with others, well attended. Attended a highly attended career job fair at the Garden Grove Adult Center, fostering valuable connections with employers and workforce partners. The Workforce Development Board (WDB) remains attentive to directives from the Department of Labor (DOL), the Chamber of Commerce, and the Department of Education, each emphasizing the importance of internships and skills-based training as essential elements for preparing a competitive workforce.
Jackie Russell-Garcia – heard a lot about how internships are becoming a popular way to gain experience, with many people choosing to jump straight into jobs instead of going to college,
ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting of the WDB Youth Council Committee is scheduled for June 12, 2025 at 4:00 PM.