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Greg Jennings, left, talks in this June 7 file photo with Minnesota Vikings teammate Kyle Rudolph (middle) and other guests before the start of the seventh annual Greg Jennings Celebrity Golf Classic at Kalamazoo Country Club. The event provides funding for the Greg Jennings Foundation's Be Great Youth Initiative and its Be Great After School Program.

(David Drew | MLive File)

KALAMAZOO, MI – The third annual Be Great After School Program grants are to be awarded to organizations that mentor K-12 students for academic achievement and empower young people for improved educational awareness.

The program, a project of the Greg Jennings Foundation and its Be Great Youth Initiative, is accepting applications until 5 p.m. on Sept. 5 from organizations in the greater Kalamazoo and Minneapolis areas.

Up to $50,000 will be donated to select youth education programs. Kalamazoo native Greg Jennings is a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.

"We want the best for children and we are asking after-school programs in the Greater Minneapolis and Kalamazoo areas to apply for the grant," Jennings said in a press release. "At the Greg Jennings Foundation we believe that with the right opportunities and proper support all children can set and achieve their academic goals."

Since the Be Great After School Program began awarding grants in 2012, more than $100,000 has been donated, according to the foundation. Organizations that have received grants include Hospitality House Youth Development, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Communities In Schools in the Greater Kalamazoo and Minneapolis areas.

More information about the grants, and information on how to apply is available at http://gjenningsfound.org/begreat/.

The Greg Jennings Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization. The Be Great Youth Initiative is funded by the annual Greg Jennings Golf Classic. The 2014 celebrity golfing event was held in June at the Kalamazoo County Club. The 2015 event is to bring celebrity sports stars and golf-lovers together in Minnesota.

Those interested in becoming involved in the Golf Classic as a sponsor or volunteer, can find information at http://gjenningsfound.org.