Fattah Keynotes National Boys & Girls Clubs Event in Washington

WASHINGTON, March 26, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (PA-02) addressed Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) leadership from across the country on Tuesday night in Washington during the group's annual youth advocacy fly-in. Fattah, a leading Congressional champion for youth mentoring, was the featured speaker to BGCA advocates from clubs representing more than 60 major metropolitan communities.

Congressman Fattah provided an update to the group on youth advocacy and mentoring priorities in Congress, including his legislation, America's FOCUS Act.  BGCA was one of the first organizations to endorse the legislation last November.

"The representatives gathered from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America this week are among our nation's strongest youth advocates; these individuals work every day with millions of youth at more than 4,000 club facilities across the country. I am thrilled they are here to share their stories and successes with lawmakers in Washington," Congressman Fattah said.  "BGCA understands that investing in our youth is one of the most critical responsibilities we have as a nation, and they are driven by a mission to ensure all youth are provided the resources, support, and relationships necessary to be successful both in and outside the classroom. I am proud to be a longstanding partner in these efforts, including working together in support of America's FOCUS Act so we can reach more young people and ensure our future generations reach their fullest potential."

Congressman Fattah has a long history of partnership with the Boys & Girls Club, dating back to his involvement in establishing the West Philadelphia club. Since coming to Congress, he has been a vocal advocate of youth mentoring and worked extensively to expand the scope and number of mentoring programs nationwide.  Additionally, Fattah has partnered with BGCA to expand mentoring initiatives that expose youth to technology and STEM professions.

In 2012, Congressman Fattah developed a groundbreaking agreement that launched a national mentoring program in robotics through BGCA. The American Innovation and Mentorship (AIM) Agreement links BGCA with FIRST! (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), to provide STEM opportunities at 3,000 clubs across the country. Last fall, Fattah helped orchestrate a Space Act Agreement between NASA and BGCA to introduce STEM content into their mentoring programs and inspire a new generation of students interested in science, technology, engineering and math.

America's FOCUS Act, H.R. 3580, would direct revenues generated by corporate fines, settlements, and penalties to programs that will help encourage America's global competitiveness. By steering one-third of these funds towards youth mentoring and STEM education programs, the legislation seeks to close the mentoring gap by ensuring every youth that needs a mentor has one.

To learn more about America's FOCUS Act, click here.

To view Congressman Fattah's remarks to BGCA, click here.

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah