HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter - Manager's ApprovalI tgr .cif ..tant , :Crrth t
DANIEL J. ALFONSO
CITY MANAGER
P.O. BOX 330706
M IA M I, FLO R1 DA 33233-0708
(305) 250-5400
FAX (306) 250-5410
TO: Daniel J. Alfonso, City Manager
FROM: Milton Vickers, Senior Advisor to the City Manager
DATE: May 25, 2016
RE: CC-4 - Allocation of grant funds from District 4 Poverty Initiative Program to
Stardom Up
BACKGROUND
The City of Miami ("City") created the Anti -Poverty Initiative to address poverty based on principles
outlined in Gateway to Self -Sufficiency which focuses on providing support to its residents in
achieving self-sufficiency. Accordingly, the City has donated to programs which provide relevant and
meaningful programs highlighting computer -oriented curriculum hosted by Stardom Up ("Stardom
Up"), a Florida not for profit corporation. Their program has been determined to address these needs
and provide these services for the City.
Stardom Up is an education and engagement non-profit with a mission to inspire young students to
become "star" via their community's technology ecosystem. Stardom Up runs its flexible program
through a variety of curriculum options that range from1-hour for a single day to 3-day session that
span over an entire semester. The engagement curriculum also ranges from on -site events at Miami -
Dade County Public Schools to off -site events with community partners, as well as combination of both
types. The pairing of a coding curriculum with entrepreneurial training offers an improved
opportunity for participating students to engage in group learning, focus on innovation and
entrepreneurship, and possibly form business entities is vital to the principles of Gateway to Self -
Sufficiency. As summer is quickly approaching it is vital to ensure the program takes off with summer
curriculum, thus it would be advantageous to the City to expedite the allocation and waive
procurement requirements at this time.
RECOMMENDATION
In light of the above stated, approval of a waiver of the formal requirements of competitive sealed
bidding methods as not being practicable or advantageous to the City as set forth in the City Code of
Ordinances, as amended, specifically Section 18-85 (A), and the affirmation of these written findings
and the forwarding of the same to the City Commission for ratification by a four -fifths vote is
respectfully requested,
APPROVED/DISAPPROVAL: