NEW YORK, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- MetLife Foundation today announced grant recipients of its 2008 Out-of-School Time Initiative. The grants, totaling $250,000, were awarded to six nonprofit organizations to launch or expand programs that increase opportunities for middle and high school youth to participate in constructive activities during the
out-of-school hours.

"The out-of-school hours are a time of risk for far too many youth, particularly those in middle and high school," said Sibyl Jacobson, president, MetLife Foundation. "We are pleased to support the innovative work of these six organizations working to transform the out-of-school hours into a time of opportunity and meet the needs and interests of older youth."

This year, the Out-of-School Time Initiative grant competition focused on nonprofits serving young people in Chicago and New York City. MetLife Foundation selected grant recipients based on their plans for reaching older youth, particularly those at an economic disadvantage, and providing opportunities for hands-on involvement and input by youth participants. Selection also focused on creativity, innovation, organizational capacity, and track record.

The grant recipients are:

• Chicago Commons (Chicago, IL) - to expand the R.I.S.E. initiative, which provides high school students with developmental opportunities, to West Humboldt Park and Pilsen.

• Jane Addams Hull House Association (Chicago, IL) - to add a mentoring component to the Community School Network Program.

• Chinese-American Planning Council (New York, NY) - to expand the Pathway to College Program and launch an early college awareness program for junior high students.

• Queens Library Foundation (Jamaica, NY) - to add an information fluency component to the Youth Empowerment Program in Long Island City.

• Union Settlement Association (New York, NY) - to launch the Legacy Program, a community service and leadership development initiative for students at Harlem's Isaac Newton Middle School for Science & Math.

• YMCA of Greater New York (New York, NY) - to expand Teens Take the City, a program that combines civic engagement and service learning.

MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 by MetLife to carry on its long-standing tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. MetLife and MetLife Foundation have invested more than $15 million for Alzheimer's research and public information programs, including $10 million through the Awards for Medical Research program. Working with the Alzheimer's Association, the Foundation has supported caregiving videos, resources for the Hispanic community and the Safe Return identification program, which addresses the problem of senior wandering. The Foundation has expanded its focus on aging issues, including helping people remain physically and mentally fit and remaining engaged in the community. It also supports programs addressing issues of caregiving, intergenerational activities and volunteer opportunities. Grants support health, education, and civic and cultural programs. More information about MetLife Foundation is available at www.metlife.org.

More from MetLife Foundation