; Whereas the League’s signature programs are evidence-based, data-informed and scalable, and they demonstrably enhance the economic and educational status of communities served; Whereas since 2004, through the League’s Entrepreneurship and Business Services division, the Entrepreneurship Center Program has served approximately 185,000 minority-owned businesses helping them to secure over $1,000,000,000 in financing, bonding capacity, and contracting opportunities, and created or saved over 170,000 full and part-time jobs; Whereas since 2008— (1) over 315,000 people have received assistance through the League’s Housing and Community Development division Comprehensive Housing Counseling and Financial Empowerment programs; (2) the League’s foreclosure prevention initiative, Restore Our Homes , has helped more than 25,000 people avoid foreclosure; and (3) the League’s Home Purchase program has assisted 7,200 people become first-time homeowners; Whereas since 2008, the League’s Education and Youth Development division’s signature program, Project Ready , has helped 18,000 students (grades 8–12) progress academically, benefit from cultural enrichment opportunities, and develop important skills, attitudes, and aptitudes that position them for success during and after high school; Whereas since 2010, the Equity and Excellence Project has enabled the affiliates to expand their education advocacy and engagement work in cities and States across the country; Whereas in 2013, the League’s Workforce Development Division Rebuild America Initiative , has helped over 250,000 unemployed and underemployed, including young adults, reentry adults, and mature workers to secure full-time employment or career advancement opportunities