Arthur Blank Family Foundation

ATLANTA, December 13, 2007 - The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation today announced it is awarding $380,000 over three years, through its Pathways to Success initiative, to 100 Black Men of Atlanta’s Project Success Program and Resource Learning Center. The grant will provide college and career preparation through mentoring, tutoring and test preparation for students at The New Schools at Carver, The New Schools at Therrell and Douglass, Washington, North Atlanta, Southside, Grady, and Mays high schools.

Project Success currently serves high school students by offering assistance with researching colleges and scholarships; completing college financial aid forms and applications; interviewing; and PSAT, SAT, and ACT training. Along with these activities, Blank Foundation funding will support mentoring and tutoring by Atlanta Public School (APS) teachers and the Collegiate 100, a network of college students mentored by current 100 Black Men of Atlanta members. Funds will also be used for a two-week summer residential program focusing on academic preparation and leadership skills; and to support the 100 Black Men of Atlanta’s Resource Learning Center, which allows all APS students and parents access to computers, and SAT preparation and support.

The Blank Foundation’s Pathways to Success initiative was created in 2004 to expand educational opportunities by providing high school students the support they need to pursue postsecondary education or career opportunities. It consists of collaborative partnerships that include high schools, community organizations, and higher education institutions in Atlanta, Georgia; Bluffton, South Carolina; and Phoenix, Arizona three communities in which the Blank family has roots.

"With a 28-year history of programming and demonstrated success in helping students complete college, 100 Black Men of Atlanta is an important partner in postsecondary preparatory and enrollment programs," Blank Foundation president Penelope McPhee said. "Our goal is to enable Project Success to serve more students and parents throughout the Atlanta Public School system."

About the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

Formed in 1995, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation is focused on improving early childhood development, enhancing education, preserving green space, sustaining the arts and sparking collaboration among its nonprofit partners, primarily in Atlanta.

Arthur M. Blank is owner & CEO of the Atlanta Falcons and Georgia Force. He co-founded The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, in 1978 and retired from the company as co-chairman in 2001. Through his generosity, the foundation, along with Blank and his wife's personal giving, has granted over $220 million to various charitable organizations.

About 100 Black Men of Atlanta

100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. is a coalition of some of the Atlanta’s most prominent citizens, whose mission is to provide support and improve the quality of life for African Americans, particularly youth, in the Atlanta community. This mission is realized through the Project Success program, a mentoring and academic support initiative. For more information on Project Success, please visit www.100blackmen-atlanta.org.