Sen. Ossoff Strengthening Youth Mentorship Programs in Metro Atlanta

Atlanta, Ga. - U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is delivering resources to strengthen youth mentorship programs in Atlanta.

Today, Sen. Ossoff announced he is delivering Federal funding for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta (BBBS)'s Level Up Program, their large-scale mentoring program that utilizes paid mentors embedded full-time in middle schools.

The program is currently operating at Luther J. Price Middle School, Jean Childs Young Middle School, Herman J. Russell West End Academy, Bunche Middle School, and Lithonia Middle School.

Sen. Ossoff brought Republicans and Democrats together to deliver $250,000 for the project through this year's bipartisan government funding package, working alongside Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock.

With the Federal funding, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta plans to scale and expand the program to reach more youth in the critical middle school years with mentorship and conflict resolution programming and trainings.

"I've appropriated funds to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta to strengthen their mentorship and conflict resolution programs for metro Atlanta kids. I thank Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta President & CEO Kwame Johnson for bringing this proposal to my office and for his leadership in the community," Sen. Ossoff said.

"Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta is thrilled to receive this CDS support for our Level Up program, a large-scale mentoring program that utilizes paid mentors embedded full-time in five Title I middle schools in metro Atlanta," says Kwame Johnson, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta. "The Level Up program was created at the request of Middle School principals for consistent and direct mentoring for students to address unprecedented levels of classroom disruptions, student conflicts and other behaviors. The program supports students in four areas: developing a strong vision for the future, learning social-emotional skills, avoiding risky behaviors and fostering a sense of belonging at school and in the community. This school year we are serving more than 800 students, this CDS support will help us to expand to more than 1400 students in the 2024-25 school year."

"We believe that our city is stronger and more equitable when young people have the support they need to ignite their potential. We are so grateful to have this funding recommended by Senator Ossoff and Senator Warnock," Johnson continued.

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