The Center for Community Solutions is seeking proposals from qualified vendors/consultants/organizations to provide an evaluation of the Great Minds Fellowship (GMF). We are especially interested in opportunities made possible through the fellowship related to Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) (serving 0-5 year olds). DUE BEFORE 5:00PM March 12.
Purpose
This evaluation seeks to assess the effectiveness of the GMF program in expanding access to meaningful internships, supporting agencies in developing future professionals, and influencing students’ career trajectories. Understanding the program's outcomes will help determine its impact on workforce development, agency capacity, and interest in IECMH careers. Additionally, the evaluation will provide insights into how well the program was communicated to stakeholders and how it can be improved for future cohorts.
Background
IECMH is foundational to lifelong well-being, influencing cognitive, emotional, and social development from birth. The demand for professionals trained in this field continues to grow, yet barriers such as limited internship opportunities and lack of awareness hinder workforce expansion. Evaluating the GMF’s role in addressing these challenges is essential for shaping future investments in the behavioral health workforce and ensuring that young children and families receive the specialized care they need. Understanding the Great Minds Fellowship’s impact on IECMH workforce development will help stakeholders make informed decisions about investing in early childhood mental health services and training opportunities.
Scope of Work
The evaluation will focus on the following core areas:
1. Program Reach and Participation
- Number of GMF internships in Cuyahoga County
- Agencies that have hosted GMF internships
- Number of IECMH-focused internships
- Universities where participating students are enrolled
2. Program Communication
- History and examples of program outreach and promotion
- Communication process from program announcement to internship completion
- Perspectives from both program administrators and recipients of communication
3. Impact on Agencies
- Influence of GMF funding on internship offerings and management
- Adequacy of support provided to hosting agencies
- Job offers extended to interns, particularly in IECMH roles
- Contribution to increasing credentialed employees or pathways to credentialing
4. Impact on Interns
- Motivations for selecting a GMF internship
- Availability of alternative paid internship opportunities
- Influence of the internship on future career decisions
5. Impact on Universities
- Effect of GMF on student interest in behavioral health fields
- Challenges or pain points experienced in program participation
- Instances of students shifting their area of study post-GMF
6. Relationship Development
- Assist in relationship development with agencies that have a current interest in IECMH and institutions of higher education
Timeline
We anticipate the project will begin on April 10, 2025, and be completed by August 15.
Submission Instructions
- Written Narrative about how RFP respondent will complete the scope of work
- Proposed Timeline of activities and deliverables
- Price and payment schedule for the project
- Description of RFP’s qualifications and experience relative to this project
- Samples of work
- Contact name, title, affiliated organizations, phone number and email of three references
All final proposals and attachments must be emailed to emuttillo@communitysolutions.com no later than 5:00 pm on Wednesday, March 12th
Contract Award
Anticipated notice of award will be released the week of March 24th
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