Acknowledging the accomplishments and goals of the Youth Impact Program.

December 9, 2008

Mr. VITTER submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

Acknowledging the accomplishments and goals of the Youth Impact Program.

Whereas many at-risk young men in the inner cities of the United States face a challenging and uncertain future;

Whereas the future success of at-risk young men can be greatly enhanced through sustained mentorship;

Whereas effective working partnerships between and within the public and private sectors can have a lasting and positive impact on the future of at-risk young men;

Whereas participation in organized sports has provided a creative and disciplined outlet and a path to a better life for many at-risk young men;

Whereas the Youth Impact Program combines the disciplines of football, mentoring, and academics in partnerships between local National Football League franchises and universities to promote discipline, learning, and positive values;

Whereas the Youth Impact Program is a community-based program that has proven its value over the past 2 years in raising the outlook and aspirations of at-risk young men and has provided at-risk young men greater exposure to academics, core values, and life skills;

Whereas the Youth Impact Program provides year-round mentoring to its participants, a proven formula for building success;

Whereas the National Football League, the National Football League Players Association, the University of Southern California, and Tulane University have provided critical support to the Youth Impact Program;

Whereas the Youth Impact Program will be expanded to 3 additional cities in partnership with local National Football League franchises and universities;

Whereas the Youth Impact Program seeks to establish a presence in each city with a local National Football League franchise; and

Whereas under the vision and leadership of Mr. Riki Ellison, the founder of the Youth Impact Program, a 10-year veteran of the National Football League, a 3-time Super Bowl champion, and a University of Southern California alumnus, the Youth Impact Program has expanded from a regional program to a program with a growing national presence: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) recognizes the ongoing and significant contributions of those organizations that support the Youth Impact Program; and

(2) encourages the expansion of the Youth Impact Program to inner cities across the United States.