Committee backs $25,000 IRC contract to expand newcomer high‑school summer programming

The Education and Human Services Standing Committee voted May 13 to recommend to the full council an ordinance authorizing the chief administrative officer to execute a grant contract with the International Rescue Committee, Inc., for $25,000 to expand youth development programming for newcomer high‑school students.

Eva Colon, senior policy adviser in the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services and leader of the Office of Children and Families, told the committee that the money would come from the budget’s reserve for children’s fund line — money set aside from prior years to respond to emergent priorities. "With city funds, they would not have to ask for documentation because the money that is allocated to them federally is tied to refugee students, not newcomers broadly," Colon explained. She said the grant would allow IRC to serve more students through the end of the summer by reducing documentation barriers, funding wraparound services and offering enrichment activities tied to Richmond Public Schools’ ESL summer academy.

A public hearing was opened and closed with no speakers in the chamber and no virtual comments. Amanda Carolinas of the IRC was present in the room to answer organization‑specific questions.

Committee members expressed support for the investment. The committee recorded roll‑call votes of Miss Jones — "Aye"; Vice Chair Bretson — "Aye"; Chair Lynch — "Aye." The committee chair stated that the motion to recommend the ordinance to full council passed.

The ordinance was identified in committee as "Ordinance 2025‑089" and the staff presentation emphasized that the $25,000 award is intended to increase participation among newcomer youth and maximize the impact of existing city and nonprofit investments in youth programming.