The money is going to help keep kids out of trouble, and more importantly, out of jail. Juvenile offenses are declining in Missouri, and the state wants to keep it that way.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety awarded $1.5 million to organizations that help keep kids out of trouble.

Out of the 56 organizations that applied for the grant, only 25 of them were chosen. One of them is Big Brothers Big Sisters in Columbia. Big Brothers Big Sisters wants to use its money to reach out to rural mid-Missouri, and expand programs in Mexico and Moberly.

Executive Director Georalu Swoboda said keeping kids busy can keep them out of jail.

"A lot of times with juvenile referrals, it's not big crime items, it's mischief," Swoboda said. "And mentors, on of their roles is to be a friend to kids and guide them."