Grants for Mentoring At-Risk Children

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The Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities National Programs announced a grants initiative to promote mentoring programs for children.

A total of $29.37 million is available, with each award no more than $200,000. The grants can be used for mentoring programs that assist at-risk children in receiving support and guidance from a mentor; improve the academic performance of children; improve interpersonal relationships between children and their peers, teachers, other adults and family members; reduce the dropout rate; and reduce juvenile delinquency and involvement in gangs.

Eligible applicants include county governments; city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; local educational agencies; and nonprofit, community-based organizations.

Applications are due July 7. Applications and guidelines are available online. If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, contact Julius Cotton at 202-245-6140; fax: 202-245-6288; e-mail: julius.cotton@ed.gov.