The Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District has granted $7,500 to a mentoring program entitled the Ivy Center For Education Inc.
The grant was made possible through the GIF grant program, the Arkansas House of Representatives and support of state Rep. James Word of District 16, according to a spokesman.
During the last legislative session, lawmakers appropriated funds to each of the eight development districts for general improvement projects in their communities.
The Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District Board of Directors voted to allocate monies by House District. The board on Jan. 19, selected several projects for funding. One of those was the Ivy Center For Education.
“ICE was formed out of the desire to improve the social, cultural and educational outcomes of students in grades 7-12,” a spokesman said.
ICE began its service in Pine Bluff in 2002 and the goal is to build self-esteem and confidence in youth so they will not engage in at-risk behaviors such as crime, alcohol and drug abuse.
July 8 – July 16, 2012, marks ICE’s seventh annual Cultural Enrichment/College Tour. Students will tour universities and be provided with college preparation information. The students will also be exposed to cultural enrichment activities that include museums, locations and entertainment. This year, the students will visit New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.