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Council committee backs $1.6M Say Yes Cleveland grant to keep scholarships and family‑support specialists
Summary
Cuyahoga County’s committee endorsed a $1.6 million grant agreement amendment to continue Say Yes Cleveland scholarships and school‑based family support specialists; presenters reported 14,000+ referrals and said they will develop outcome metrics tied to graduation and attendance.
The Cuyahoga County Education and Environment Sustainability Committee voted July 2 to refer Resolution 20250229 to full council with a recommendation of passage to continue funding Say Yes Cleveland’s scholarship and family‑support work.
David Merriman, director of health and human services, said the county is requesting $1.6 million—the same amount as in prior years—to support tuition scholarships and to fund family support specialists in Cleveland public and partner charter schools. Catherine Tokachik, interim executive director of Say Yes Cleveland, presented program data and service highlights.
Tokachik told the committee that in 2024, 47 percent of graduating seniors received referrals through Say Yes Cleveland, and that family support specialists made more than 14,000 referrals and recorded more than 50,000 documented support efforts. She said the organization will refine outcome measures over the summer to report on graduation, attendance and other achievement metrics.
Committee members welcomed the program but asked for clearer outcome metrics. Councilman Jones suggested focusing support on ninth through 12th grades to protect investments that pay off in college enrollment and completion. Tokachik said staff will develop and return with outcome data next year.
The committee referred the grant agreement amendment to full council with a recommendation for passage.
