Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) announced a $181,408 mentoring grant for the Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD).  The grant was awarded by the Department of Education to help reduce dropout rates and delinquency among at-risk children in high-crime areas or from troubled homes.

“As a former educator, I can tell you that it is nearly impossible for a student to learn in an environment in which he or she does not have a trusting relationship with their teachers and peers,” said Kildee.  “A positive role model can make the difference in the life of a child who may be falling behind in school or on the verge of engaging in criminal activity.  Successful school-based mentoring programs play a critical role in improving the academic performance of children who might otherwise slip.”

The Department of Education makes available competitive grants for programs that provide assistance and mentoring to children who may be at risk of dropout, delinquency and involvement in gangs.  Applicants receiving awards must serve children, between the grades of 4 and 8, living in rural or high-crime areas or in troubled home environments.  Grants are awarded only to programs that have developed projects to link children with mentors who receive ongoing training and who have been screened using appropriate background checks.