Alexandria, VA – In celebration of National Mentoring Month, United Way Worldwide is proud to support H.R. 3580, America’s Focus Act of 2013, legislation introduced by Congressman Chaka Fattah (PA-02) to strengthen youth mentoring programs, and in turn, increase the nation’s global competitiveness.
The legislation – America’s Fund for Future Opportunities and Outcomes in the United States Act, or America’s FOCUS Act – is designed to assist an estimated 124 million Americans through youth mentoring and STEM education, medical research and innovation, and justice reinvestment programs. America’s FOCUS Act authorizes state and local governments and the U.S. Secretary of Education to issue grants to non- profits with evidence-based programs in STEM and mentoring.
In addition to funding youth mentoring and STEM programs, the bill supports reinvestment and innovations in medical research. One percent provides funding for paying down the national debt and economic growth.
“The United Way shares my commitment to strengthening working families and inspiring our future generations. I am proud to have them join as a supporter of America’s FOCUS Act, which will invest in evidence-based programs with the promise of improving the life chances for millions of Americans,” Congressman Fattah said. “United Way uniquely understands that supporting our youth is critical to building strong communities. I applaud their historic effort to recruit new mentors and tutors committed to empowering students in the classroom and beyond, and look forward to working together on this legislation in order to bring more funding to mentoring initiatives across the country.”
“We all play a part in the success of our communities,” said Stacey D. Stewart, U.S. President, United Way Worldwide. “Working together with local partners, United Ways around the country are recruiting readers, tutors and mentors to fundamentally change the trajectory of the lives of young people and their families. United Way Worldwide is grateful to Congressman Chaka Fattah for his tireless commitment to mentoring services for all our children.”
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About United Way
United Way is a worldwide movement of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 41 countries and territories. It advances the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good quality life. The United Way movement mobilizes millions to action – to give, advocate and volunteer – to improve conditions in their local community. For more information about United Way, please visit: UnitedWay.org.
Media Contact
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