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Home My WebLink AboutPR 24635: PAEDC, PRE-EMPLOYMENT WORKFORCE TRAINING FUNDS TO IMPLEMENT THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (YEP) • PSEttrAKEIlk.R INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Date: 11/21/2025 To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Through: Ronald Burton, CPM 1 City Manager From: Krystle Muller, Interim CEO, Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation RE: P.R. 24635 1 A resolution authorizing the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation to utilize Pre-Employment Workforce Training Funds to implement the Youth Employment Program (YEP). Introduction: The purpose of this agenda item is to seek City Council authorization for the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation to utilize pre-employment workforce training funds for implementing the Youth Employment Program (YEP). Background: The Youth Employment Program provides students with real-world learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. It allows them to apply what they've learned academically in a professional setting, fostering relationships between students, local businesses, and industry professionals. Open to Port Arthur residents graduating high school in 2026 or incoming seniors graduating in 2027, the program aims to help participants enhance their skills and gain experience in a business environment related to their studies. Budget Impact: Participants will be paid wages not exceeding $20.00 per hour for a maximum of 40 hours per week, with total earnings not exceeding 320 in 8 weeks. A Pre-Employment Workforce Training Fund for a Youth Employment Program has a budget of $100,000, available in the PAEDC Account No. FY 25-26 120-80-625-5440-00-00-000 (Job Training Programs) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council of Port Arthur authorize the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation to proceed with the Youth Employment Program (YEP). PR 24635 11/21/2025 SDG RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PORT ARTHUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO UTILIZE PRE-EMPLOYMENT WORKFORCE TRAINING FUNDS TO IMPLEMENT A YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED$100,000.00;FUNDS AVAILABLE IN EDC ACCOUNT NO. 120-80-625-5440-00-00-000 (JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS) WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1967 during the 83rd Legislative Session which amended Chapter 501 of the Local Government Code by adding§501.163 allowing for economic development funds to be utilized for the purpose of the pre-employment training and education; and WHEREAS, the PAEDC Youth Employment Program will provide job opportunities for high school graduates and incoming high school seniors who already possess job-related skills and the knowledge to "learn as they earn"; and WHEREAS, PAEDC will use Guidelines (attached as Exhibit"A") for applications and the placement of up to twenty (20) Port Arthur high school graduates and incoming seniors graduating in 2027 with employers who may have job opportunities in the fields of study of the students participating in the Summer Youth Employment Program; and WHEREAS, at its November 3, 2025, regular meeting, the PAEDC Board of Directors approved the use of funds from the PAEDC Pre-Employment Training Program to establish the Youth Employment Program which is designed to support up to twenty(20)high school graduates from the class of 2026, as well as incoming seniors graduating in 2027, who are residents of Port Arthur. The program will include Board-approved waivers for students under the age of 18. Participants will earn up to $20.00 per hour and will be strategically placed in jobs that align directly with their career goals. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS: Section 1. That the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct. Section 2. That the City Council hereby authorizes PAEDC to use its Pre-Employment Workforce training funds for the payment of wages not to exceed$20.00 per hour for up to twenty (20)Port Arthur high school graduates and incoming high school seniors to participate in the Youth Employment Program established by PAEDC with the total cost of the program not to exceed $100,000.00. Section 3. That a copy of the caption of this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the City Council. READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED on this day of A.D., 2025, at a Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas,by the following vote: AYES: Mayor , Councilmembers , , • NOES: Charlotte M. Moses, Mayor #2503847 Page 2 ATTEST: Sherri Bellard, City Secretary APPROVED: ` ` ua6,_ Kryst Muller, PAEDC Interim Chief Executive Officer APPROVED AS TO FORM: V\.)-Alik3 G N. Goodson, PAEDC Attorney APPROVED ORM: Roxann Pais Cotroneo, City Attorney APPR ED AS TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS: % oswe11, &'Dior M2503847 Page 3 ( - \\ PORT*ARTFILJR DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION EXHIBIT A Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation 2026 Youth Employment Program Policy & Application PORT*ARTHIIJR R DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation Youth Employment Program (YEP)—2026 Policy& Application Program Overview The Youth Employment Program (YEP) provides Port Arthur students with meaningful, paid summer work experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world career pathways.The initiative strengthens academic-to-workforce connections,builds soft skills, and fosters collaboration between the city's youth and local employers. - Program Duration:June 1 -August 14, 2026 -Total Budget: $100,000 - Minimum Positions: 15 -Hourly Rate: Up to $17.00/hr -Maximum Hours: 320 (Full 8 Weeks) - Prior Year Budget(2025): $96,000 Eligibility Requirements Applicants must: - Reside within the City of Port Arthur. - Be a 2026 high school graduate or rising senior(2026-27). - Be legally authorized to work in the United States. Preference and higher pay consideration will be given to applicants who: -Are 2026 graduates. - Have prior work experience. -Are enrolled in Career&Technical Education (CTE) or college-credit programs. Compensation Structure I Tier I Criteria I Hourly Rate Tier 1 - Entry I First-time worker/no prior experience and based on the career I $10/hr Minimum I Tier 2 - Intermediate I Some work experience or enrolled in CTE/college credit and based on wage of career' no more than$16/hr Tier 3 -Advanced 12026 graduate with verified work experience or CTE,and based on wage of career,college credit I no more than$17/hr The program's total cost will not exceed$100,000,maintaining an average effective wage of$15.60/hr for full 8-week, 320-hour placements. t` , ,„ ,,,,, _ _ . PORT*ARTHUR DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Application Process All applications must be submitted by April 14,2026. Submit to: Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation Attn:Youth Employment Program 501 Procter Street,Suite 100 Port Arthur,TX 77640 Or Email: Sgranger@paedc.org Subject:YEP Application- [Last Name] Employment Application Form (Fillable) Date of Application: Social Security Number: Name: (Last) (First) (Middle) Other Last Names Used: i Date of Birth: Address: (Apt) City State ZIP Home Phone: ( ) Mobile: () Email Address: Eligibility Checklist D Resident of Port Arthur ❑ 2026 Graduate or Rising Senior ❑ Legally authorized to work in the U.S. ❑ Optional: Prior work experience/CTE/college credit Career Interests 1. 2. 3. Available Start Date: End Date: Schedule Conflicts: 11 , ( , \„,._ _ _ PORT*ARTHtJR DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Emergency Contact Name: II Relationship: Phone: (_) Email: Education I School I Major/ Program I Graduate/ Degree I High School I College/University I Trade/Technical Optional Experience Information(for Pay Assessment) Do you have prior work experience?❑Yes 0 No If yes,describe: Are you currently enrolled in a CTE or college-credit course?❑Yes ❑ No Are you a 2026 high school graduate? ❑ Yes ❑ No Attach supporting documents(resume,transcript,or instructor letter). 1 Certification and Attestation I certify that all information provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I authorize verification of the information contained herein and understand that any false statements may result in disqualification or dismissal. Applicant Signature: Date: Parent/Guardian Consent I hereby grant permission for my child to participate in the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation Youth Employment Program. Parent/Guardian Name: Signature: Date: n�- ,, ,, _ _ ,, PORT*ARTHItJR ONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Instructor Recommendation(Optional) Instructor Name: Email: Phone: Signature: Date: Identification Requirement(1-9 Verification) Participants must bring original identification documents on or before the first day of work to verify eligibility: - List A:U.S.Passport,Permanent Resident Card,Employment Authorization - List B: Driver's License,School ID with photo -List C:Social Security Card, Birth Certificate Equal Opportunity Statement The Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For PAEDC Use Only I Review Item I Yes I No I Notes I I Residency Verified I ❑ I ❑ I Graduate/Rising Senior I ❑ I ❑ I Work Experience/CTE/College Credit I El I ❑ I Tier I II I Application Complete I ❑ I ❑ I Interview Scheduled I ❑ I ❑ I Accepted into Program I ❑ I ❑ I Placement Assigned 1 I I-9 Documents Verified I ❑ I ❑ Approved by: Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation Date: