[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S10754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 716--ACKNOWLEDGING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND GOALS OF 
                        THE YOUTH IMPACT PROGRAM

  Mr. VITTER submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 716

       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) congratulates Mr. Riki Ellison for his leadership and 
     vision in founding the Youth Impact Program;
       (2) recognizes the ongoing and significant contributions of 
     the National Football League, the University of Southern 
     California, and Tulane University to the Youth Impact 
     Program; and
       (3) encourages the expansion of the Youth Impact Program to 
     inner cities across the United States.

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