DANVILLE — The Danville Public Library has been chosen to receive a $22,479 grant from the Illinois Secretary of State to help provide technology and mentoring to local young people, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Tuesday.

“Peer mentorship can be extremely important for young people to achieve personal growth,” Bennett said. “This grant will give at-risk youth the tools they need to be successful in life with the guidance and support of a mentor.”

The Danville Public Library received this grant to support Project Next Generation (PNG), a mentoring program established by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White to help middle and high school students develop technological skills, achieve success through project-based learning, and gain life skills such as effective communication, goal-setting and conflict resolution.

The secretary of state awarded $559,358 in 2021 PNG grants to 28 public libraries statewide. Grants are awarded to libraries that serve culturally diverse, low-income and underserved populations.

Funds were provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.