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Yarmuth Delivers $95,000 to Support Educational Outreach at Muhammad Ali Center

Thursday April 08, 2010
(Louisville, KY) Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) presented a $95,000 check to representatives from the Muhammad Ali Center to develop and expand educational outreach efforts and support the Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students (MACCS) and its’ service learning programs. Congressman Yarmuth presented the funding during a “Welcome Home” event for MACCS students who recently participated in the Serbia Youth Leadership Program.
 
“Muhammad Ali’s living legacy is a commitment to fighting for the betterment of this community, this nation, and this planet through service,” said Congressman Yarmuth. “I am proud to have secured this funding to support programs at the Muhammad Ali Center that are an embodiment of his philosophy, helping young people from across our community become the responsible, global-minded leaders of tomorrow.”
 
Congressman Yarmuth secured the funds for the Muhammad Ali Center in the Labor-Health and Human Services-Education Appropriations Act. The money will support the MACCS program, comprised of almost 40 high school students from the Kentuckiana area nominated by faculty from their schools. The MACCS program promotes service learning projects, supports educational and cultural exchanges, and focuses on bettering peer-to-peer relationships and developing leadership skills among participants.
 
“The Ali Center is extremely grateful to be the recipient of this funding opportunity that will support new ways of relaying the Center’s mission to the community and beyond,” said Greg Roberts, president and CEO of the Center. “Our youth council’s (MACCS) motto is one that often Muhammad Ali has used himself:  “Service is the rent we pay for our stay here on earth.” Most assuredly this funding- thanks to Congressman Yarmuth and his staff- will help the Ali Center develop future leaders of the local community with a broadened sense of what it means to be part of the solutions for a  world community.”
 

The announcement was part of a “Welcome Home” event for Jacob Alvey, Lyla Wasz-Piper, and McKenzie Stevens - three MACCS Students who participated in a citizen diplomacy and cultural exchange program in Serbia this year. Implemented by the World Learning and the World Affairs Council of Kentucky/Southern Indiana, the Serbian Youth Leadership Program includes workshops and community service activities to help develop democracy and citizen activism in Serbia while offering American students leadership experience.

“The World Affairs Council administers the Exchange Program not just for Serbia, but for Iraq, as well,” said Ben Jones, President of the World Affairs Council of Kentucky/Southern Indiana. “Outside of the obvious benefits of this program, it is particularly deserving to stress how the people of our community can contribute to the program’s success. Not only will we be sending our young people abroad, but we will also be hosting Serbian and Iraqi teens in American homes as well.  The cultural learning experiences from both the hosts and the students are immense.”