The following post is shared courtesy of the IMLS Blog, UpNext. See the original post at http://blog.imls.gov/?p=5407. 

Five Federal agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), are coming together with a new opportunity to help communities overcome the obstacles they face in achieving better outcomes for disconnected youth. The funding will support efforts to help young people between the ages of 14 and 24, especially those who are low-income, homeless, in foster care, in the juvenile justice system, or unemployed. Agency representatives will describe the program during a December 1 webinar.

For the next 100 days, states, tribes, and municipalities can apply to become a Performance Partnership Pilot (P3) and test innovative, outcome-focused strategies to achieve significant improvements for disconnected youth in educational, employment, and other key outcomes.

Lead applicants must be state, local or tribal government entities that are already using FY 2014 federal funds for disconnected youth programming; however, libraries and museums—as well as other nonprofits, businesses, and industry and labor organizations—may be involved in the partnerships.

The P3 initiative will enable up to 10 pilots to blend funds that they already receive from different programs administered by the Departments of Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services, the Corporation for National and Community Service, and IMLS. P3 allows new flexibility under federal statutes, regulations, and other requirements to overcome barriers and align program and reporting requirements, enabling applicants to propose the most effective ways to use these dollars. In addition, pilots will receive start-up grants of up to $700,000.

A webinar will be held December 1, from 3:30 to 5:00 pm EST, and will include P3 details such as program requirements and selection criteria. To participate in the webinar, access the Workforce3One website and create an account. Then, you can register for the webinar here.