The Allstate Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) have launched “Youth for Unity,” a diversity education program designed to combat prejudice and intolerance. The program is being funded as a result of a $4.5 million grant provided by The Allstate Foundation. The Foundation and BGCA recognize that educating youth to understand and embrace different cultures, backgrounds and lifestyles is fundamental to preparing them for an increasingly diverse America.

The Youth for Unity initiative will also expand BGCA’s Street SMART program. The program, developed in 1997 as a result of a grant from The Allstate Foundation, provides young people, ages 11-13, with the skills needed to resist gangs and violence. The program also gives kids the tools they need to become positive peer leaders in their communities.