The Rapides Foundation has released the Reconnecting Cenla Program Grant, a new funding opportunity which seeks to fund eligible organizations to create or expand programs and partnerships for reconnecting disconnected youth and young adults to education and employment opportunities.

Disconnected youth, also referred to as opportunity youth, are young adults ages 16 to 24 who are neither in school nor working. In 2019, The Rapides Foundation expanded the scope of its programs to address disconnected youth in Central Louisiana.

The Reconnecting Cenla Program Grant provides grant awards up to $300,000, with a grant term of up to 36 months. The goal of the funding opportunity is to support a mix of urban and rural community anchor organizations throughout the Foundation's nine-parish service area to develop local coordinated systems which will identify and recruit disconnected youth and address specific barriers they face when reengaging to education and/or employment services.

Full details about the funding opportunity, including the Request for Proposals, eligibility criteria, proposal submission deadlines and online application link, can be found by clicking HERE to visit the Foundation's website.