In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a significant grant agreement aimed at enhancing educational support for Cleveland students. The resolution, numbered 2020404, proposes a $1.6 million grant from Cuyahoga County to Say Yes Cleveland, with College Now Greater Cleveland serving as the fiscal agent for the program.

Marcos Cortez from Health and Human Services outlined the grant's purpose, which is to fund scholarships for graduates of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and partner schools, as well as to provide family support specialists in these institutions. These specialists play a crucial role in connecting families with necessary services to help overcome barriers to educational success.

Jackie Fletcher, director of Children and Family Services, highlighted the collaborative efforts made over the past academic year to improve access to resources for students and families. She noted the integration of Say Yes referrals into the universal referral process, aiming to streamline support services.

Diane Downing, executive director of Say Yes Cleveland, emphasized the program's dual benefits: providing college tuition scholarships and offering support services from pre-K through 12th grade. Since its inception, Say Yes has facilitated the enrollment of over 3,400 CMSD graduates into college or career training programs, with 1,700 enrolled scholars this year alone. The family support specialists have made over 15,000 referrals for services, demonstrating the program's impact on the community.

The funding for the family support specialists comes from various public partners, including Cuyahoga County and the state of Ohio, with additional contributions from local foundations and businesses for scholarship funding. Downing expressed gratitude for the county's support, which has been vital in preventing the need for protective custody and addressing challenges faced by families early on.

The committee members engaged in discussions about the grant, with further questions anticipated as the meeting progressed. The approval of this grant is seen as a critical step in continuing the mission to support Cleveland's youth and their families.