Boys & Girls Clubs Launch 8-week Summer Program, Seeks Funding

July 22, 2015 - PRLog -- MONTEREY COUNTY, CA – On June 8 the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC) kicked off its Summer Program which will benefit nearly 2,000 children. To help fund the all-day, 8-week program offered in Seaside and Salinas, the Clubs seek the investment of the local community to sponsor a child’s summer.

“Our unfunded need is just over $600 per child,” explains BGCMC’s CEO/President Donna Ferraro.  “Investing in this need is a real opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child.”  Currently, Wells Fargo and the Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation have committed challenge grants totaling $35,000 to match contributions to the Club’s Summer Campaign – to date, over $29,000 has been raised for the match.

Research shows that summer has long-lasting effects on a child’s education, documented as “Summer Learning Loss.” The average student, regardless of their family’s economic status, will lose two months of math skills during the summer months.  Low-income students face the additional loss of nearly three months of reading skills.  The cumulative effect of these losses over time can be staggering to a child’s education and their likelihood to maintain on-time grade progression and graduate from high school.

For many low income youth, the summer months also impose the challenges of hunger or inadequate nutrition, and fewer opportunities for physical activity. And, with many youth left home without adult supervision, the summer break is also a high risk for crime, violence and risky behaviors.

The Clubs’ summer program is intentionally designed to address all these factors by focusing on preventing summer learning loss, providing physical recreation, and serving breakfast, lunch and snacks every day. Children in the program participate in classes that include science, technology, engineering, arts, math and literacy for every age group. "The program uses field trips, group projects, creativity, movement, and active participation so kids are learning while also having fun," explains Ferraro.

The 8-week program will serve an average of 500-600 children a day and requires a significant financial commitment of the Club.  “Over 20% of our annual budget is invested in the summer months,” shares Ferraro.  "And it’s our leanest time of year for donations, so it’s difficult to balance with the demand. The funds from this campaign are essential to helping us serve children during the summer."

To contribute to the campaign, visit www.bgcmc.org/summer. For more information call 831-394-5171.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County aims to combat the critical issues children face during the summer months: learning loss, lack of adult supervision, and hunger.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC) has played an integral role in the community for over 47 years.  BGCMC provides a safe haven for 600-800 children and teens a day, offering programs that focus on Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, Good Character & Leadership. BGCMC operates Clubhouses in Seaside and Salinas, extension sites at El Sausal and La Paz Middle Schools in Salinas, Fairview Middle School in Gonzales, and a site at the CHISPA Sea Garden Community in Castroville.  Club members are offered mentoring and guidance to maintain on-grade school progression, graduation from high school, and prepare for college and careers.  Nearly 90% of the total budget comes from generous individuals, corporations and foundations. The Clubs are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. during summer and school breaks, and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. when school is in session.  Additional information is available at www.bgcmc.org or via phone at 831-394-5171.