Sponsor says bill to designate high-quality youth programs will boost accountability and help target state funding

Senator Manchester offered sponsor testimony in favor of Senate Bill 400, which would create a formal designation for "high quality youth development programs" administered by the Department of Education and Workforce. "Programs seeking designation must apply to the department," Manchester said, listing criteria that include "the ability to document measurable outcomes," compliance with safety laws and screening protocols, audited financial statements or independent financial reviews, and evidence-based programming.

Manchester told the committee that many Ohio organizations already run programs consistent with the proposed criteria and named the YMCA, Open Doors Academy and the Ohio Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs as groups that have expressed support. He said the designation would not bar organizations without it from applying for funding but would provide a consistent metric for state-level investment decisions. "This legislation creates a formal designation to recognize those programs and ensure strong safety standards, sound financial practices, and measurable outcomes," Manchester said.

Ranking Member Ingram asked why the designation is needed; Manchester replied it helps ensure the legislature and department invest in programs that can demonstrate measurable outcomes and protect public dollars. Committee members discussed concerns about ensuring start-up organizations can meet the criteria over time and about balancing recognition for established nonprofits with opportunities for smaller, local providers.

The committee concluded the sponsor testimony with no immediate vote; the testimony will be part of the record as the measure advances through committee consideration.