Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar announced that Mission Consolidated Independent School District (Mission CISD) has been awarded a $189,892 grant for its mentoring program. The mentoring program is for students in grades 4-8 who reside in rural, high-crime areas or troubled environments.

Mission CISD will receive the first year allotment of $189,892, with the total amount of the grant potentially reaching more than $569,676 over the next three years.

“As a member of Congress, ensuring that our children grow up in a healthy environment is an issue I take very seriously. I applaud the Mission CISD for taking the initiative to identify these students who otherwise might fall through the cracks,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Mentoring programs have proven successful in allowing our young people to walk a straight line.”

The mentoring program at Mission CISD will assist participants with support and guidance from a mentor, improve their academic achievement, and help develop interpersonal relationships with their peers, teachers, other adults, and family members.
This program will also reduce the drop out rate in Mission ISD while working to curb youth involvement in local gangs.

“This grant will help us enhance our existing mentoring program designed for at-risk youth by creating a sense of belonging,” said Mission CISD Superintendent Oscar Rodriguez. “We also thank Congressman Cuellar for everything he has done to help our schools, students and the community.”

This grant is in addition to the $198,604 that Congressman Cuellar announced last week for Mission CISD’s student drug-testing program.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.

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