Title
Resolution to Amend the Fiscal Year 2025 Council Approved Budget to Accept and Appropriate the 2025 Sentara Cares Grant Awarded by Sentara Health/Optima Health
Purpose
Purpose/Background
The Junior Commonwealth's Attorney Program (JCAP) is administered by the Hampton Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. The program is a one-week summer camp designed to introduce high school students to local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies. Through hands-on activities, educational sessions, and visits to various criminal justice institutions, the program offers participants a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the legal system. At the end of the week, students receive certificates of participation during a closing ceremony featuring speakers from the community, providing them a sense of accomplishment.
The Junior Commonwealth's Attorney Program (JCAP) is a vital initiative aimed at fostering youth engagement, inspiring future careers in law and public service, and promoting civic responsibility within the Hampton community.
Discussion:
The Junior Commonwealth's Attorney Program (JCAP) is a one-week summer camp that provides high school students with hands-on exposure to the criminal justice system. The program focuses on engaging students with local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies. It aims to develop leadership, critical thinking, and civic engagement by introducing students to the legal system's workings.
Participants engage in educational sessions, visit criminal justice agencies, and observe court proceedings. They also participate in mock trials and other interactive legal exercises. JCAP’s mission is to inspire future careers in law and public service and to increase awareness about the legal process in the Hampton community.
The priority area for this grant is youth education and career development, which aligns with JCAP’s mission to provide young people with an understanding of legal professions and community leadership. The proposed project will directly impact students in the Hampton Roads area by offering them exposure to career paths in criminal justice, law enforcement, and public service. The program will continue to strengthen partnerships with local agencies and expand its outreach to include more students from diverse backgrounds.
The program aligns with the City’s initiative to foster youth development and ensure that participants receive mentorship, resources, and exposure to legal career pathways. Through the Sentara Cares grant, The Junior Commonwealth's Attorney's Program will continue its mission of educating and inspiring the next generation of community leaders while modeling the City’s mission and values.
Impact:
The City has been awarded $50,000 from the Sentara Cares Grant to support the Junior Commonwealth's Attorney Program.
Recommendation:
Approve.
Body
WHEREAS, Sentara Health/Optima Health has awarded the City of Hampton ("City") the 2025 Sentara Cares Grant in the amount of $50,000 to support the Junior Commonwealth's Attorney Program;
WHEREAS, the funds of the 2025 Sentara Cares Grant will be used to support the Junior Commonwealth's Attorney Program, providing students with exposure to the criminal justice system and fostering future careers in law, public service, and civic engagement;
WHEREAS, the grant award covers the period from July 1, 2024 through December 30, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the grant award must be used in addition to, and not in replacement of, other state and local funding.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia hereby amends its Fiscal Year 2025 Council Approved Budget to: (1) accept and appropriate the 2025 Sentara Cares Grant award in the amount of $50,000, and any supplemental funding, from Sentara Health/Optima Health to the Grant Fund; and (2) approve the transfer of funds as necessary to support the Junior Commonwealth's Attorney Program in accordance with the grant agreement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council authorizes the City Manager, or her designee, to take any and all actions necessary to implement this grant award.