PITTSBURGH -- President George W. Bush and Laura Bush were in Pittsburgh on Mondayy afternoon, as the first lady continued promoting a White House plan to keep at-risk children away from gangs.
Air Force One landed at Pittsburgh International Airport at about 2:40 p.m.
From there, the Bushes went to
Providence Family Support Center in the Marshall-Shadeland section of Pittsburgh. They toured preschool classrooms and met children who participate in after-school activities.
After that, the Bushes stopped at the Community College of Allegheny County campus in the city's Allegheny West neighborhood. The president introduced his wife, who spoke about faith-based initiatives to steer kids away from street crime.
"The hours between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. are peak hours for juvenile crime," she said. "After-school programs like the one we just visited can keep children safe and improve their academic performance."
"We're worried about drugs and gangs and bad choices," the president said. "If we can encourage people to put their arm around somebody and say, "I love you, what can I do to help you?," and volunteer their time and talent and compassion, this country can be a better place."
About $150 million over three years in Justice Department funding is being budgeted for anti-gang efforts. The president announced the plan during his State of the Union speech last month and said he would put his wife in charge.
Child experts, teachers and community leaders are being encouraged to discuss problems facing kids and come up with "innovative ideas" to help them.
The Bushes said they will invite people from across the country to attend a White House conference on the issue of helping America's youth later this year.
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Slideshow: Pictures Of The Presidential Visit
Video: Comments From President, First Lady 
