AT&T Foundation Grant to '100 Black Men of America Inc.' to Strengthen Mentorship Program; $75,000 Grant Supports Nationwide Mentorship Program for Low-Income African-American Youth.

SAN ANTONIO -- 100 Black Men of America Inc. -- a nonprofit organization committed to the intellectual development of youth and the economic empowerment of the African-American community -- announced today that it has received a $75,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation (NYSE: T) to support the organization's nationwide youth mentorship program.

100 Black Men of America will use AT&T Foundation grant funds to support training forums and national outreach of the organization's Mentoring the 100 Way program, which certifies volunteers to provide leadership-development training for low-income, African- American youth.

Since 1991, the AT&T Foundation has provided more than $900,000 to 100 Black Men of America and its regional chapters to support mentorship and other community-building initiatives.

"The AT&T Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that work to build communities and change lives," said Marie Long, AT&T vice president-Constituency Relations. "We salute the leadership of 100 Black Men of America and leaders like Rep. Mel Watt, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, whose efforts make a genuine difference in our communities."

"It is crucial that we give all of our children and young adults the educational tools to ensure success," said Rep. Watt. "The Mentoring the 100 Way program has the potential to impact hundreds of diverse students and shape the next generation of leaders."

Mentoring the 100 Way aims to address the social, emotional and cultural needs of children aged 8 to 18. Volunteers are trained and certified to become mentors, advocates and role models for the youth within their communities. The program focuses on building essential skills that are needed to become productive, contributing citizens. Workshops for children and youth include topics such as:

--Positive Self-Identity and Personal Vision

--Social and Emotional Skills

--Moral Character

--Work Ethic

--Lifelong Learning

"Mentorship is the cornerstone of the 100 Black Men's focus. The AT&T Foundation has been a long-time partner with our organization and has successfully collaborated with us to impact the lives of youth throughout our chapter network," said Albert Dotson, chairman, 100 Black Men of America. "We foresee many productive ventures that will ultimately change the lives of the youth forever."