PEORIA – Alpha Park Public Library District and Peoria Public Libraries are receiving grants from Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White to help mentors connect with at-risk youth in the community.

Assistant Majority Leader Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) represents to the two cities and says it’s important to connect children with services early on to better serve them.

“Giving at-risk kids the opportunity to learn valuable skills in a safe environment can only serve to improve our communities,” Koehler said. “I want to thank Jesse White for seeing the potential in the Bartonville and Peoria communities when awarding this grant.”

According to the Secretary of State’s office, Project Next Generation offers grant funding to public libraries for establishing educational, after-school programs that not only provide access to computers, software and various technology devices, but also hire mentors who are crucial to helping students develop self-confidence and pride in their newly acquired skills.

In all, the Secretary of State awarded more than $464,000 in Project Next Generation grants statewide. The money is provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Grants are awarded to public libraries that serve culturally diverse, low-income and underserved populations.