REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Establish a Silicon Valley Power Scholarship - Silicon Valley Power Sustainable Futures (SVPSF) Post-baccalaureate Fellowship and to Delegate Authority to the City Manager to Negotiate a Final Grant Agreement with Santa Clara University
Report
BACKGROUND
On June 7, 2022, the City of Santa Clara City Council unanimously approved the Silicon Valley Power Sustainable Futures Program (SVPSF Program) which will provide scholarships and fellowships to up to 35 leaders in sustainability, clean energy. and related fields over a 5 year period. Each year there are four scholarship recipients and three fellows. The goal of the program is to develop a pipeline of strong, diverse future leaders in sustainability and clean energy sectors.
The innovative, five-year program funds an annual grant of $75,000 per year for a total of $375,000 from Silicon Valley Power (SVP). Selected students will use the funds to attend and receive advanced opportunities at Santa Clara University and its award-winning environmental and sustainability curriculum.
The program is designed to improve students’ skill sets to compete for emerging green jobs. The skill requirements are expanding rapidly, particularly in the Bay Area, where energy, sustainability and climate drivers are leading the way in accelerating this field.
DISCUSSION
Building off the success of the SVPSF Program, a SVPSF Post-baccalaureate Fellowship is proposed. Under the Program a recent college graduate from Santa Clara University, or another institution, with a two-year full-time paid position. The selected candidate may do any of the following (1) provide mentorship to SVPSF fellows and scholars; (2) perform project-based oversight; (3) serve a liaison role with Santa Clara University faculty, local community, and City departments; (4) identify future projects aligned with program objectives and the goals of the City of Santa Clara Climate Plan, (6) support the implementation of completed project deliverables and policy recommendations into practice, or (7) develop, manage, and operate datasets, tools, GIS mapping frameworks, and other shared assets supporting the SVPSF Program The SVPSF Post-baccalaureate Fellowship is proposed to provide $138,720 over two years to Santa Clara University to offer the Postbaccalaureate Fellow as a full-time position for two years. Details on decision-making, selection, and candidate qualifications are included in the attached grant agreement.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations as it is a government funding mechanism which does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. t.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for scholarships is budgeted in the Electric Utility Fund Administrative Services Budget. If additional budget is required to appropriate for this program, it can be brought forward in a future budget action. Future years of this program will be incorporated into the biennial budget.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with Silicon Valley Power and the City Manager’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Santa Clara University Grant Agreement to establish the Silicon Valley Power Sustainable Futures Post-baccalaureate Fellowship with a City of Santa Clara funding obligation of $138,720 over two years, in substantially the form presented, and a final form approved by the City Attorney.
2. Authorize the City Manager to (a) extend the Grant Agreement for an additional two years with a City of Santa Clara funding obligation of an additional $138,720 with a 4% adjustment as set forth in the agreement; and (b) take any actions as necessary to implement and administer the Grant Agreement.
Staff
Reviewed by: Nico Procos, Acting Director of Silicon Valley Power
Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Santa Clara University Grant Agreement