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The Sallie Mae Fund donates $1 million to Wilkes-Barre Catholic Youth Center

U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski applauds The Sallie Mae Fund for giving back to the Wilkes-Barre community

Reston, Va., Nov. 25, 2003—U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski (PA-11) and officials from the Wilkes-Barre Catholic Youth Center (CYC), today joined area children as The Sallie Mae Fund presented the CYC with a check for $1 million. These funds will help the CYC meet its $4.2 million capital campaign goal and open a new community aquatic and education center. The new center will be named The Sallie Mae Fund Aquatic and Education Center.

The CYC and the new The Sallie Mae Fund Aquatic and Education Center cater to lower-income and minority children and families in Wilkes-Barre, providing daycare, overnight care for children whose parents work night shifts, a education center which provides tutoring and other learning opportunities, and a play area, gym and swim venue.

"Sallie Mae has been an important part of this community since it first opened its loan servicing center here in 1987," said Rep. Kanjorski. "I applaud The Sallie Mae Fund's commitment to the communities where Sallie Mae employees live and work. This grant, combined with Sallie Mae employee volunteer activities, will have an immediate impact on the educational and life opportunities available to local children."

The CYC serves in excess of 12,000 children each year and expects to serve an additional 4,000 through the new The Sallie Mae Fund Aquatic and Education Center. About 75 percent of children at the CYC's daycare facilities are subsidized and the facility provides overnight care for more than 30 children whose parents work night shifts. In addition, more than 85 children per day receive tutoring and educational assistance from CYC staff and volunteers.

Anthony D. English Jr., executive director of the CYC expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the entire CYC family to Congressman Paul Kanjorski and The Sallie Mae Fund for their "kindness and generosity in securing the future for the children of Wyoming Valley to use the vital services provided by the CYC at the new The Sallie Mae Fund Aquatic and Education Center."

"The key to a successful future for today's children is to ensure they have a safe place to learn and grow," said Albert L. Lord, vice chairman and CEO, Sallie Mae, attending the event on behalf of The Sallie Mae Fund. "The Sallie Mae Fund is proud to support the CYC and the safe, positive environment it provides the children of this community."

The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, achieves its mission—to increase access to a post–secondary education for America's students—by supporting programs and initiatives that help open doors to higher education, prepare families for their investment, and bridge the gap when no one else can. For more information visit www.salliemaefund.org.