Grant awarded to Boys and Girls Club of Central VA (BGCCVA)

The Foundation is pleased to support BGCCVA with a grant to support educational programs in Central VA.

Founded in 1991 and opened in 1992, BGCCVA serves 2,400 boys and girls ages 6-18, residing in Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Orange and Madison for a total of six clubs. Their mission is to “enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens”. Their programs are open to all young people, but in particular, those from disadvantaged circumstances. Club programs address five core areas: education & career, character & leadership, health & life skills, the arts, and sports & fitness.

The Grant will provide funds for their year-round “It’s Elementary and Teen STEM” programs. This program serves at least 2,100 youth, ages 6 through 18, of which 66% are living at or below the poverty level. BGCCVA knows that in the absence of STEM programming offered through their programs, many area young folks would lack access to top quality educational programs. The skills learned in these programs are essential to these kids success in school and beyond. If funded, funds will be used to provide staffing, equipment, materials, and transportation for their “It’s Elementary and Teen STEM”. This program offers an opportunity for underserved youth, ages 6 to 18, an opportunity to explore creative problem solving around science, technology, engineering and math using basic and advanced design and technology. With instruction and guidance from trained full and part time staff and community professionals, participants work individually and in teams on projects, which they present to peers, volunteers, and staff.