LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -- The Gwinnett Braves announced on Thu, Oct. 11, that they have awarded their $1,000 grant for the month of September to the Norcross High School Foundation for Excellence. The "All About Kids" themed grant will help fund the After School Matters program for Norcross High School students.

The After School Matters program was designed to make after-school time productive and fun for Norcross students. The mission of the program is to increase the graduation rate and prepare students for a career or college. The program strives to increase engagement with school, cultivate different talents and lift self-confidence. After School Matters also aims to decrease the likelihood of risky behaviors by involving caring adults, and providing a distinctive set of interests, skills and activities that will create a unique experience for each student.

Over the past 11 years, the Norcross High School Foundation for Excellence has funded a wide variety of projects, including the Paul Duke House, the school's outdoor matrix sign, teacher grants and scholarships for teachers to further their education. The Foundation plans to use the $1,000 grant to train teachers for the After School Matters program, as well as to pay for snacks and bus tickets for the students involved.

"We are so appreciative of the Gwinnett Braves and their commitment to this program," said Foundation president, Chris Saunders, upon receiving the grant. "The seven-week pilot program last year far exceeded school administrators' expectations, and with these funds from the G-Braves, we will be able to continue its expansion this school year."

About the Norcross High School Foundation for Excellence
The Foundation is a 501c3 organization founded in 2001 with a generous gift from Mr. Paul Duke. Its mission is to partner with Norcross High School and the Norcross, Georgia community in continual support of Norcross High School as a world-class school. Its goals are to improve facilities of the school, promote equity among all students, and develop and strengthen the academic, artistic and athletic capabilities of the students. For more information on how to get involved with the NHS Foundation for Excellence, please contact Mr. Chris Saunders at 404-680-0523.

For more information on the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program, including details on how your organization can apply, please call the Gwinnett Braves at (678) 277-0300 or email gwinnettinfo@braves.com.

The Gwinnett Braves are the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Season tickets for the 2013 season are available at gwinnettbraves.com/2013, at the Coolray Field Box Office and by calling (678) 277-0340. Follow the G-Braves at gwinnettbraves.com, on facebook.com/GwinnettBraves1, and on twitter.com/GwinnettBraves1.