VIENNA, Ill. (KFVS) - Local organization Arrowleaf announced on Monday that it has been awarded an $80,000 grant to benefit its student café.

According to the organization, the Capacity Building Grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) will support the expansion of Clyffe Café Late Bell, a student-run, after-school and Friday evening café designed to strengthen youth mental health, leadership and well-being in rural southern Illinois.

Clyffe Café Late Bell gives local high school students paid work experience, mentoring and skill-building opportunities while offering a safe and welcoming space for their peers to gather after school.

The $80,000 grant will fund:

Paid wages for 10 to 12 student employees who lead operations, food service, event planning and social media

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