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Monroe accepts small NRPA grant extension to continue Opportunity Center mentoring
Summary
Council accepted a revised memorandum of understanding to extend NRPA-funded OST youth mentoring at the Opportunity Center, authorizing the city manager to sign and directing the finance director to amend the budget to reflect a $5,000 extension.
The Monroe City Council voted to accept a revised memorandum of understanding that extends National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) funding for an out-of-school-time (OST) youth mentoring program at the Opportunity Center.
Assistant City Manager Mark Cochran told the council the NRPA originally awarded funds in May 2023 and later added $10,000 after a site visit; within the past two weeks the association offered an additional $5,000 to continue the program. “This has been a great program,” Cochran said, noting NRPA praise for mentor and mentee work and the program27s partnership with Orchard High School and Monroe Public Schools.
Council action Councilwoman Jermaine Esparza moved to approve the revised MOU, authorize the city manager to sign, and authorize the finance director to amend the budget for the increased award; Councilperson Steelgrave supported the motion. The roll call showed unanimous support (Steelgrave, Jermaine Esparza, Stringham, Felder, Hader and Mayor Clark voted yes). The city will pass the additional funds through to the program partner identified in the MOU and continue quarterly reporting on mentor recruitment and mentee participation.
Why it matters: The added funding supports continued mentoring services for students served by the Opportunity Center; staff said the program has drawn nationally positive attention from NRPA and will continue under the city27s partnership with the local provider.
Implementation notes: Cochran said the city, which applied as the NRPA member, has been passing funds through to MCOP and will monitor delivery via quarterly reports. The motion authorizes the manager to sign the updated agreement and the finance director to amend the city budget to reflect the $5,000 increase.
