FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 29, 2005

Chambliss, Isakson Announce Funding for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Georgia

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today announced that the Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Georgia in Tifton, Georgia will receive $158,175 from the U.S. Department of Education as part of their Mentoring Grants Program.

The Mentoring Program’s discretionary grant competition gives awards to local educational agencies, non-profit community-based organizations, or partnerships between the two, to promote school-based mentoring programs for children with the greatest need. These projects seek to assist children in receiving support and guidance from a mentor; improve their academic achievement; improve interpersonal relationships with their peers, teachers, other adults, and family members;  reduce their rate of dropping of out school; and reduce levels of juvenile delinquency and involvement in gangs.

“The biggest investment that we can make as a nation is in our youth,” said Chambliss.  “I commend Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Georgia for recognizing this fact and for working hard to see that these Georgia children receive the valuable support they need.”

“Advancing education, especially through mentoring programs, is one of my passions, and I am pleased to announce this grant for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Georgia,” said Isakson.  “In the distribution of this grant, the Department of Education has performed a great service for Georgia.”

###