National School-Based Mentoring Expanded at Ten Sites

PHILADELPHIA, PA, August 13, 2002 — Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) announced today that the national organization was awarded a three-year $1.1 million grant by the New York Life Foundation to expand school-based mentoring programs at 10 Big Brothers Big Sisters sites across the nation. This grant is the largest single corporate contribution for school-based mentoring in the history of BBBSA.

"New York Life Foundation is proud to help children access the benefits of school-based mentoring opportunities resulting in better grades, higher test scores, and improved self-esteem," said Sy Sternberg, chairman, president and chief executive officer of New York Life Insurance Company and chairman of the New York Life Foundation. "As a former Big Brother, I can attest to the vital work of Big Brothers Big Sisters that enables thousands of children to lead more productive, fulfilling lives."

"BBBSA is delighted to have the financial backing of the New York Life Foundation and volunteer involvement of New York Life employees to help us to achieve our goals," said Judy Vredenburgh, president of BBBSA. "The Foundation's Nurturing the Children focus and Sy Sternberg's understanding of the value of school-based mentoring makes New York Life a cherished partner in increasing learning opportunities. The New York Life Foundation grant combined with the company's volunteer support will allow us to help more children."

The New York Life Foundation grant supports a Challenge Grant initiative that will enable BBBSA to expand its school-based mentoring program throughout the country. During the initial year, ten locations will receive grants totaling $275,000 and commit to matching the grant amount in their individual communities. The communities are: Albuquerque, Atlanta, Cleveland, Dallas, Minneapolis, New York City, San Diego, Scottsdale, Shreveport and Tampa. These sites will also receive intensive support and technical assistance from the BBBSA national office to ensure their programs' success.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest mentoring organization in the country. In 2001, it served 220,000 children in 5,000 communities across the country by providing one-to-one relationships with a Big Brother or a Big Sister. School-based mentoring, a recent initiative of the organization, teams Big Brothers and Big Sisters with their respective Little Brothers and Sisters in the school setting.

The New York Life Foundation, established in 1979 by New York Life Insurance Company, is the major vehicle through which the company channels contributions to national and local nonprofit organizations. Through its Nurturing the Children effort, the Foundation supports organizations, programs and services that target young people, particularly in the areas of mentoring, safe places to learn and grow, and educational enhancement opportunities. Through a company-wide involvement initiative, New York Life encourages volunteer participation by its employees, agents and retirees.

Contacts:

Lisa Fels
New York Life
(212) 576-7937

Noreen Shanfelter
BBBSA
(215) 665-7778

Michael Holloway
Edelman Public Relations
(212) 704-4532

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