Briefing on opportunity youth programs and investments provided by the Department of Human Services. [Justina Tate, Interim Assistant City Manager; Melody Woosley, Director, Human Services]

This is a briefing on the City of San Antonio's (COSA) efforts to support "opportunity youth" – disengaged, undereducated, and unemployed young people. The city established the NXT Level Youth Opportunity Center in February 2019, partnering with Communities in Schools-San Antonio and Goodwill San Antonio. This center, located in the 78207 zip code, aims to reconnect youth to education and employment by addressing personal barriers and providing support. From February 2019 to September 2025, NXT Level served nearly 1,700 youth, with 54% attaining a diploma or High School Equivalency, 13% enrolling in post-secondary programs, and 383 finding employment.

Additionally, the Department of Human Services (DHS) received grants totaling $325,000 from the Aspen Institute to foster strategic conversations about serving opportunity youth. This led to the creation of the San Antonio Opportunity Youth Collaborative (SAOYC), co-led by DHS and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County. Currently, 40 nonprofits collaborate through SAOYC using a collective impact model to create pathways for young adults to achieve post-secondary credentials and meaningful employment. DHS is also funded by a Trellis Foundation grant to enhance SAOYC's data and accountability framework.

The city's initiatives, like the NXT Level center and the SAOYC, provide support and resources for disconnected youth to pursue education and employment, aiming to improve their future prospects and reduce unemployment in the community.

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