Request for Proposals: Youth Engagement Opportunity in Bridgeport
To: Youth-Serving Organizations in Bridgeport, CT
From: Bridgeport Prospers
Date: July 21, 2025
Bridgeport Prospers is pleased to issue this Request for Proposals (RFP) to youth-serving organizations throughout Bridgeport, CT. We're hosting a series of engaging sessions for youth ages 16-24 and invite your organization to submit a proposal to provide youth participants as attendees for these impactful events. These sessions are part of a special extension of our Fairfield County Community Foundation (FCCF) grant, designed to empower young people to see themselves as active participants and leaders in their communities and future careers.
Inspiring guest speakers have been secured and the content for the sessions is already structured. We are now seeking proposals from organizations capable of bringing groups of motivated youth to participate in three after-school sessions to be scheduled approximately every three weeks:
Session Themes & Speakers
"We Belong Here: Youth Shaping Public Service"
Guest Speaker: Sarah M. Lopez, Outreach Assistant – CD4, Office of U.S. Senator Chris Murphy
This session will explore how youth can influence and contribute to public service, highlighting the importance of their voices in government and community affairs.
"Youth Leading in Workforce Spaces"
Guest Speakers: Dominique Lacourt, Resource Concierge, Sean Fredriksen - Career Hub/The Workplace
This session will focus on preparing youth for the future workforce, emphasizing leadership skills, career exploration, and navigating professional environments.
"Youth Building Change through Nonprofits"
Guest Speaker: FCCF Youth Philanthropy Council member (To Be Determined)
This session will introduce youth to the world of non-profit work, showing them how they can drive social change and make a difference through community-focused initiatives.
Key Program Information for Participants
Youth who participate in these sessions will be compensated for their time and engagement. Additionally, to measure the impact of these sessions, participating youth will complete a series of pre- and post-assessments.
Proposal Requirements
Organizations interested in participating must submit a proposal that addresses the following:
Organizational Capacity & Youth Access:
Provide a brief overview of your organization, including your mission, target youth population, and years of experience serving school-age youth in Bridgeport.
Describe your current youth programming and how participating in these sessions would benefit your youth and align with your mission.
Confirm your organization's ability to provide youth participants for sessions held between August 2025 and October 20, 2025.
Youth Engagement & Provision Plan:
Outline your proposed approach for recruiting and ensuring active participation from your youth in these sessions.
What is your anticipated number of youth participants you can commit to for these sessions?
Describe your strategies for communicating session details to youth and their parents/guardians, including obtaining any necessary permissions and informing them about the compensation and assessment components.
Logistical Support:
Outline any specific logistical support your organization might require from Bridgeport Prospers to facilitate your youth's participation (e.g., transportation assistance, specific timing needs, etc.).
Timeline
RFP Release Date: July 21, 2025
Proposal Submission Deadline: July 31st, 2025, at 5:00 PM EDT
Notification of Selection: August 8, 2025
Session Completion Deadline: October 20, 2025
Submission Instructions
Please submit your proposal electronically as a single PDF document to info@bridgeportprospers.org by the deadline. Late submissions won't be considered.
For any questions regarding this RFP, please contact Talyn Cook:
We look forward to reviewing your proposals and partnering with you to empower Bridgeport's youth!