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EDC-backed Workplace Empowerment Academy gets first reading; city staff to finalize contract terms
Summary
Bridgeway International presented the Workforce Empowerment Academy — an EDC-supported program targeting 16–24-year-olds with Walton Foundation grant support — and council held a first reading, agreeing contracts will define performance metrics; the item was held for a second reading.
At a first reading on Dec. 9, the Nassau Bay City Council reviewed an Economic Development Corporation (EDC) proposal to support a Workplace Empowerment Academy developed by Bridgeway International.
Jeff Burkhard, president of Bridgeway International, described the program as training aimed at 16–24-year-olds who lack workplace readiness skills and cited a multi‑six‑figure grant from the Walton Foundation (channeled through workforce partners) that supports the effort. Burkhard said the academy focuses on on-the-job skills and retention, pairing classroom work with business partnerships and a local job‑placement partner called Go to Work.
The council and staff clarified that any funds awarded through the EDC will be governed by a contract spelling out terms, performance expectations and recapture provisions if the program relocates or fails to meet agreed milestones. The Chair noted prior correspondence from a resident (Glenn Betterbolt) and staff clarified the Walton Foundation involvement in the grant partnership.
Council took no final action; the resolution (EDC/City resolution referenced at the first reading) was held over for a second reading and to allow staff to draft the formal contract language that will accompany any funding approval.
Bridgeway and the EDC plan to return with contract terms that define deliverables and performance metrics before disbursement of funds.
