Congressman Fattah Introduces Resolution to Bolster Congressional Support for Youth Mentoring
The resolution focuses on one of Fattah's long-time legislative priorities; it would expand federal funding opportunities to federally chartered youth mentoring programs
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) introduced a House resolution that seeks to increase the number of mentors throughout the United States by ensuring adequate investment in nonprofit organizations that focus on mentoring and educating the nation's youth. The resolution would allow Congress to steer funds toward federally chartered nonprofits that provide evidence-based youth mentoring programs.
"Investing in our nation's youth through education and mentoring is vital to the success of our economy and to sustaining our country's role as an international leader in human capital. This legislation would be a game-changer in terms of amplifying the role youth mentoring plays in preparing America's young people for success in school, the workplace, and beyond," said Congressman Fattah.
The resolution would amend the current House earmark ban in order to enable federally charted nonprofit organizations to be eligible to receive government funding in support of mentoring programs. Organizations that fall under this limited jurisdiction would be able to receive federal funds under the normal Appropriations process in the House and Senate.
"The funding would be limited to federally chartered nonprofit corporations that are focused on positively impacting the lives of young people through mentoring, education, development, or training," Fattah said. "Investing in proven, successful mentoring programs has the opportunity to reap significant social and economic returns. This resolution would help grow the capacity of our nation's best mentoring organizations and help to ensure that every young person is put on a strong path to success."
The lack of mentors continues to be a significant challenge facing our nation; currently over 14.6 million youth in the United States are in need of a mentor. Research demonstrates that mentoring programs have a huge impact on the life of young people: they develop leadership skills, offer enriching extracurricular experiences, provide an adult role model for youth without one, and expand access to educational and career opportunities. Young people with a mentor are more likely to graduate from college, hold leadership positions, and volunteer regularly in their communities.
Congressman Fattah has been the leading Congressional champion for youth mentoring and has been recognized with the Congressional Champion of Mentoring Award by MENTOR and by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America with their national leadership award. Through his role on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science, he helped to secure $90 million in last year's government funding bill to support youth mentoring programs. He has also introduced legislation, including America's FOCUS Act, that would expand youth mentoring programs through the Department of Education.
SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah
Related Links
WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?
Newsrooms &
Influencers
Digital Media
Outlets
Journalists
Opted In
Share this article