The commission approved an RFA outline for a Transition-Age Youth (TAY) advocacy contract that will fund leadership cohorts, skills training, and project-based advocacy driven by youth participants.

Ryan, assistant deputy director for Legislative and External Affairs, described a three-cohort structure with a six-month planning phase, cohort training, and evaluation. The outline requires cultural responsiveness reporting, an evaluation of cohort outcomes (engagement, skills-building, systems exposure), and a resource document of statewide programs for TAY. Notably, the outline includes a participant stipend/retention allocation and a 10% equity access fund to pay for participant needs such as laptops, transportation, clothing, and other supports so participants from marginalized backgrounds can fully participate.

Commissioners supported connections to career pathways (peer specialist, wellness coach, substance use disorder counselor certification) and asked staff to coordinate with HCAI and other partners. Public commenters and partner organizations endorsed the proposal and urged timely implementation. The commission voted to approve the contract outline; staff will issue an RFA and include evaluation metrics and career-pathway connections in final procurement documents.