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The overall purpose of the Violence Intervention & Prevention Positively Uplifting (Youth Through) Zealous and Zestful Learning Engagements (V.I.P. P.U.Z.Z.L.E.) Project is to ensure that at-risk youth who live in communities that have experienced high rates of gun violence and homicides receive the support they need to remain in and graduate from high school, demonstrate the ability to make proactive socioemotional choices and successfully pursue their higher education and career goals. This approach will account for the youth's physical, emotional, social, and mental health needs while helping them to secure and sustain employment and/or achieve higher education ensuring a greater likelihood of success and self-sufficiency. The individual and/or family risk factors of youth targeted by the program include but are not limited to the following: • Youth between the ages of 11-24 • Youth living in a single-parent household • Youth residing in a household receiving TANF funds • Youth experiencing academic difficulties • Youth has witnessed or been a victim of violence • Youth with siblings who dropped out of school • Youth with siblings who are teen parents • Youth with siblings who are involved in the juvenile justice system • Youth with one or both parents who are incarcerated • Youth in the DCFS system Priority Target Population: • Reside in communities located on the South or West side of Chicago, IL • Deemed academically off track according to CPS • Have low school attendance (missed more than 40% of the academic year) • Have 1-3 in-school disciplinary infractions • Have police involvement • Have heightened exposure to violence/trauma based on their residency in community areas • Have experienced trauma due to high rates of gun violence and homicides

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Provider named in State Budget line. Provider - Books Over Balls

Primary Performance Standards • 90% of eligible youth will complete activities associated with proposed programs in which they enroll. • 80% of young adults between the ages of 18-24 that participate in career readiness program will be gainfully employed by the end of the funding period. • 100% of enrolled youth will meet eligibility criteria. • 80% of enrolled youth between the ages of 16-24 will complete a career readiness pre & post assessment evaluation. • 80 % of assessed youth between the ages of 16-24 will demonstrate work readiness skills improvement. • 80% of youth will complete career education activities utilizing Illinois Pathways strategies. • 80% of youth enrolled in grades 6-12 will develop higher education plans. • 80% of youth requiring supportive services will receive those services. • 80% of enrolled youth will have an individualized case plan. • 80% of youth will either meet or exceed established case plan goals. • 80% of out-of-school youth between the ages of 18-24 will continuously engage in secondary and/or post educational studies. • 80% of youth will have improved educational outcomes including attainment of HS Diploma or GED, Grade Level promotion, re-enrollment into HS, enrollment into GED classes, enrollment in Higher Ed or Technical School, etc. • 90% of youth will not engage in criminal activities which include and is not limited to acts of violence. _______________ Examples of sample data collection measurements that align to key performance outcomes: Impact Area: College & Career Readiness Outcomes: • Increased access to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and post-secondary education resources • Increased number of youth demonstrating achievement-based literacy and numeracy • Increased number of children completing free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education • Increased number of youths who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills for employment • Increased number of youth and young adults that gain meaningful applicable skills and knowledge in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Sample Performance Indicators: • # of youth that maintain or improve school attendance • # of youth that maintain or improve grades or progress reporting in school • # of youth that are actively engaged in learning • # of youth that are motivated and strive to do well in school • # of youth that advance to next grade level • # of youth passing state & national level standardized tests • # youth that have enrolled in college • # of students that have identified career and academic goals and aspirations • % of enrolled youth meeting eligibility criteria Impact Area: Health and Safety/ Life Skills Development Outcomes: • Increased access to life sustaining resources • Improved awareness of the value of a healthy lifestyle • Increased access to/use of health services • Increased level of self-appraisal, motivation, goal setting skills and ability to deal with obstacles that almost every disadvantaged youth face • Reduced exposure to crime and violence Sample Performance Indicators: • # of youth that do not experience or reduce truancy incidents • # of youth involved in violent, firearm-related crimes as compared • # of youth that get incarcerated • # of youth that partake in drug/alcohol related activities • # of youth that exhibit risky behaviors • # of youth that experience bullying Impact Area(s): Recreation, Sports, and Cultural/Artistic Activities Outcomes: • Increased number of opportunities for participants to engage in cultural enrichment and fine art activities • Increased number of opportunities for participants to demonstrate sportsmanship and athletic skills. • Increased number of opportunities for participants to increase their level of activity. Performance Indicators: • # of participants that demonstrate sportsmanship • # of participants that believe it is important to follow rules • # of participants that respect the ability and contribution of others • # of participants that engage in activities that foster creativity and spirituality • # of participants that demonstrate positive relationships with peers

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For-Profit Organizations;

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Project Grants

Human Services

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None

Refer to grant agreement

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9/2/2021