WASHINGTON, D.C. – President George W. Bush today recognized five outstanding volunteers with the President’s Volunteer Service Award during the 80th celebration of African American History Month at the White House.

Steve Ellis has been a volunteer for seven years with the National Black Family Technology Awareness Program sponsored by IBM. This program provides African American families with access to technology training, promotes the importance of technology education, and encourages students to pursue careers in science and engineering. Steve coordinates the program in six schools and community centers in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area and teaches basic and advanced computer classes to parents and students in elementary, middle, and high school. Steve has also been a mentor for four years at the Boys and Girls Club of Plano.

To read the President’s remarks, please visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/02/20060222-6.html.

In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on all Americans to make a difference in their communities through volunteer service. He created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House, to strengthen and expand volunteer service. Americans are responding to the President’s Call to Service. Go to www.volunteer.gov or call 1-877-USA-CORPS to find an existing volunteer service opportunity in your area or to find more information about service programs, including national service programs such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Citizen Corps. USA Freedom Corps is also highlighting youth volunteer service. Visit www.volunteerkids.gov for games and ideas designed to show how America's youth are making a difference.

The President's Volunteer Service Award was created at the President’s direction by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Award is available to youth ages 14 and under who have completed 50 or more hours of volunteer service; to individuals 15 and older who have completed 100 or more hours; and to families or groups who have completed 200 or more hours. For more information about the Award, please visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.

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