Congressman Rick Renzi Supports American Indian Education
WINDOW ROCK -- U.S. Congressman Rick Renzi was thanked today after announcing a $1 million federal appropriation awarded to Futures for Children (FFC). The $1 million appropriation was secured by Congressman Renzi and New Mexico Senator Pete Domenici in the FY 2005 Labor, HHS and Education Appropriations Bill for the expansion of education programs for American Indian children.
FFC Chairman Emeritus Peter Fagan a Sedona resident, said, �This funding will allow Futures for Children to better prepare American Indian youth to succeed by encouraging them to stay in school, graduate from high school, and pursue post-secondary education. Futures for Children is having extraordinary success and your support helps Futures for Children student dreams become realities.�
FFC delivers three Circles of Support that focus on mentoring, youth leadership and family capacity building. Each program element is designed to strengthen self-reliance and to give students and their families tools for educational achievement and self-determination.
FFC will deliver all three educational services to nearly 100 tribal communities throughout Arizona and New Mexico. The federal funds will help Futures for Children to:
- Increase the number of K-12 American Indian students who are mentored.
- Increase the number of students with access to FFC Youth Leadership clubs and classes.
- Increase the number of American Indian students who graduate from high school and enter post-secondary education.
- Improve the overall lifestyle behaviors of American Indian youth.
- Increase number of positive role models in American Indian communities.
- Expand educational opportunities in tribal communities through enhanced leadership.
- Allow Futures for Children to deliver more Families in Action sessions to build skills that better encourage parent and family support of their children�s education.
Congressman Renzi is also a Futures for Children mentor to a sixth grade Navajo student enrolled at Lukachakai Community School, who is doing exceedingly well in school!
