BIRMINGHAM—Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Richard D. Schwein, Jr. announced that Huntsville-based Liberty Learning Foundation (LLF) is the Birmingham Division recipient of the 2014 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA). SAC Schwein presented a certificate to founder and president Patti Yancey at a press conference today at the offices of Liberty Learning Foundation.

In May 2015, Ms. Yancey will attend a presentation in Washington, D.C., where FBI Director James B. Comey will present a formal award to her and other recipients from across the country.

Since 1990, the FBI has recognized individuals and organizations whose achievements in the terrorism, crime, drug, gang, or violence prevention/education field had an exemplary impact on the community. Each year, the SAC of each FBI field office selects an individual or organization that has made a major contribution in these areas.

A non-profit organization that Yancey began in 2010, LLF provides civic education programs and live experiences, including teaching tools to schools, that work to improve child, community, and country. Working with sponsors, LLF also provides caring volunteers to assist in implementing the program.

LLF’s Super Citizen Program, which is provided to schools free of charge, kicks off with a national bus tour of schools and includes live theatrical performances. The Super Citizen Program teaches character building, financial literacy, and career development—across the curriculum—through the lens of American ideals and civic responsibility. In the final segment of the program, referred to as Torch Teams, children nominate, campaign for, and ultimately honor local heroes from their own community at graduation.

“Liberty Learning Foundation works to inculcate in our young people the character and civic responsibility all good leaders and citizens should strive to possess. The FBI is pleased to recognize their work, because the youth of today will lead our country tomorrow,” said Schwein.

“I am so humbled to be recognized by FBI Birmingham for the proactive efforts that are being carried out by the Liberty Learning Foundation,” Yancey said. “It is proven through the brave and endless work that is done every day by the FBI [that] we can no longer just focus on academic achievement with our Next Great Americans; we must also teach them to be a good, responsible citizens and neighbors. Through the help of generous and caring donors, we are making a positive and inspiring impact on our children, our communities, and our country. On behalf of our staff and volunteers, I thank you for recognizing our efforts,” she said.

For more information on LLF, visit their website, www.LibertyLearning.org.