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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, April 21, 2005

AGBU GENERATION NEXT OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES OF A LIFETIME TO LEARN
& SUCCEED

Pasadena, CA – In its eighth year, AGBU Generation Next continues its
mission to help students of Armenian descent in the Glendale Unified
School District (GUSD) by pairing them with mentors who will guide
them towards a brighter future. This mentoring relationship introduces
young Armenians to new experiences and alternatives, enabling them
to become responsible, self-sufficient, and independent adults.

Arlette Der Hovanessian, the Program Manager of the GUSD Project GRACE
(Glendale Refugee & Asylee Children Excel), is a firm believer in
AGBU Generation Next and its ability to effectively coach students
carefully selected by GUSD for mentoring. “I am a true advocate of
Generation Next and Project GRACE is trying to provide as much support
as possible to this worthwhile youth program,” she says.

Over the years, she has seen the program mentor over a hundred
students ranging from the seventh to the eleventh grades. “AGBU
Generation Next gives them positive role models and reinforces the
value system we already have as a community. We know we can always
motivate youngsters to achieve more,” Der Hovanessian explains.

Instrumental to the success of this program is the steadfast dedication
of the limited number of mentors (age 21 and over), who commit time
and energy every week.

AGBU Generation Next Director, Susanna Sahakian emphasizes the
importance of good mentors, “As we all know, mentoring has always
been a significant part of peoples’ lives. But today, mentoring has
become a necessity in our teenagers’ lives. That is why I would like
to encourage all those who are interested in being helpful in our
community to join our organization and become a mentor to a teenager
to assure a better future for our community and the world.”

This season, AGBU Generation Next kicked off its program with an arts
& crafts event in November and has since organized a diverse array of
activities, including a Christmas party, an excursion to the local zoo,
and a trip to the Los Angeles Connection Comedy Theatre.

Established in 1997, AGBU Generation Next is a mentorship program
whose mission is to serve the Armenian youth of Southern California by
providing personal and academic guidance. To receive more information
about the program or to request an application to become a mentor,
please call 626-794-7942 or email info@agbugennext.org.