PEORIA – The Peoria Public Library and is the recipient of a $12,500 mentoring grant from the Illinois secretary of state’s office, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced Tuesday.

The grant was awarded through the Project Next Generation program, which is a mentoring program administered through Illinois public libraries. Mentors work with middle and high school students to help them develop skills needed to use technology and find success through project-based learning. Mentors also help with developing life skills, such as effective communication, goal setting and conflict resolution.

The Peoria Public Library is one of 28 public libraries in the state to receive the grant.

“I’m thrilled to see that Secretary White is demonstrating a commitment to the wellbeing of public libraries in our state,” Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “Well funded libraries are an invaluable resource for our communities. This grant will help provide students in Peoria with the tools they need to be successful in the future.”

In all, the secretary of state awarded $559,358.00 in Project Next Generation grants statewide. The money is provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Grants are awarded to public libraries that serve low-income and underserved populations.