If you are not able to attend the the Application Information Webinar, please share your contact information with us. We’ll send out updates and let you know when the RFP and online application are available.
Youth apprenticeship is a strategy that helps young people ages 16-24 connect to college and career opportunities while simultaneously addressing the talent needs of employers. Through this Request for Partners (RFP), the Foundation seeks partnerships interested in participating in a six-month Design Sprint where – with support from national expert – you will design and develop a work plan to launch a youth apprenticeship program. Each partnership selected to participate in the Design Sprint will receive up to $35,000 in financial support as well as customized technical assistance and coaching.
The Foundation expects to fund a cohort of 2-4 partnerships. This cohort – known as the Hawaii Youth Apprenticeship Network – will also engage in peer-to-peer learning activities; work together to raise awareness and understanding of youth apprenticeship; and identify shared policy and systems change needs/opportunities.
At the conclusion of the Design Sprint, select partnerships that have demonstrated significant progress and potential can each apply for up to $200,000 in additional funding over 24 months to launch their youth apprenticeship programming.
Eligibility Requirements & Selection Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Convene a partnership that includes a Lead Organization that will serve as the apprenticeship intermediary; at least two employer partners; a representative of K12 education; and a postsecondary partner. One organization is permitted to serve two roles (e.g., Lead Organization and post-secondary partner). If the Lead Organization is not a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization, please contact the foundation (see below) to verify eligibility.
- Specify one or more specific industries and occupations you would like to develop a youth apprenticeship for. The proposed employer partners should have a clear connection to the industry/occupation focus you propose.
- Ensure that all partners fully commit to participating in all Design Sprint coaching, technical assistance, and peer-to-peer learning activities.
- Ensure that all partners fully commit to working together to develop a written work plan for launching a youth apprenticeship program by the end of the Design Sprint.
Two to four partnerships will be selected to participate in the Design Sprint. Grant recipients will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Organizing a promising coalition of partners with sufficient capacity to build a successful youth apprenticeship program
- Evidence of relevant expertise, experience, and capabilities
- A focus on in-demand skills in key Hawaiian industry sectors
- Attention to building career pathways that lead to quality jobs
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and dismantling disparities
The full RFP will be released on May 5, but you can download the list of application questions to help you with planning your proposal.
RFP Timeline
| Mon, May 5, 2025 | RFP Released |
| Mon, May 12, 2025 2:30-3:30 pm | Online Application Live on Fluxx and optional Applicant Information Webinar for interested applicants to learn more. |
| Fri, May 30, 2025 | Request writeups due |
| Mon, June 16, 2025 | Selection announcement |
| Tue, July 1, 2025 | Projects begin |
| July – November 2025 | Launch Event Strategic Planning and Coaching Employer outreach |
| Fri, December 19, 2025 | Submission of Strategic Plans for Implementation Funding Consideration |
For Further Information
Applicants can contact Maria Quidez at mquidez@castlefoundation.org with any questions you have about this RFP.
An Applicant Information Webinar will be held on Thursday, May 22 from 2:30-3:30 pm to allow interested parties to learn more about this opportunity and ask clarifying questions.
About Youth Apprenticeship
What is Youth Apprenticeship?
Youth apprenticeships have the same core components as traditional apprenticeships, which include:
- Employer-Informed Learning: Employers determine the knowledge and skills apprentices need to learn over the course of their apprenticeship.
- Paid Employment: An apprenticeship is a real job that pays an hourly wage.
- Mentoring: Apprentices are guided by a skilled and experienced mentor.
- Hands-On Learning: Apprentices learn and practice new skills on-the-job.
- Related Coursework: Apprentices complete related instruction that complements their on-the-job learning via classroom-based, online, or hybrid coursework.
- Rewards + Recognition: Apprentices earn increased wages each time they achieve specific milestones and an industry-recognized credential at the end of their apprenticeship.
Youth apprenticeship programs incorporate several additional components to ensure that young people ages 16-24 can benefit from this proven approach:
- K12 + College Connections: Local high schools, GED programs, or community colleges help recruit apprentices, deliver related courses, award credit for on-the-job learning, offer flexible scheduling, and implement policies and practices that help apprentices balance school and work.
- Modified Scheduling: High School aged youth apprentices work part-time during the school year + full-time in summers. School or work schedules may be adjusted to allow students to balance both activities.
Robust Supports: Young people receive employability skills training, coaching, help with transportation, money for tools or uniforms, and other supports to help ensure their success.
Youth apprenticeships are often described as an options multiplier because they provide accelerated on-ramps to a broad range of future work and learning opportunities. By the time a young adult completes a youth apprenticeship (typically 2-3 years), they will acquire:
- skills and knowledge relevant to a career/industry of interest;
- work experience;
- professional contacts and references;
- a HS diploma or GED;
- an industry-recognized credential; and
- college credit.
Importantly, the hands-on experience youth apprentices acquire working on-site at a real job also helps young people to clarify their college and career aspirations. Graduates leave youth apprenticeships well-prepared to transition to one of several pathways to continue their journey to a good career and economic security.
The following resources provide additional information about youth apprenticeship and may be helpful to planning and preparing your application:
Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA):
- Definition and Guiding Principles for High-Quality Youth Apprenticeship
- Youth Apprenticeship Resource Library
Jobs for the Future
- Youth Apprenticeship in Action: Principles in Practice
- Youth Apprenticeship Road Map: A Youth Apprenticeship Intermediary Journey
Education Strategy Group: