Schulze Family Foundation grant allows Boys & Girls Clubs to expand summer programs in Lee County

FORT MYERS, Fla. - July 31, 2023 - PRLog -- The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation provided a $50,000 grant that allowed Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County to accommodate additional children and teens in its Summer Enrichment Program.

The summer program features hands-on STEM projects, field trips, arts and crafts, team-building exercises, dance instruction, activity challenges, sports, guest speakers and academic-based classes covering safety, nutrition and other topics. This summer, the program was offered at six locations countywide: the Park Meadows Community Club and Renaissance Preserve Neighborhood Club in Fort Myers, the Lehigh Acres Community Club and Varsity Lakes Middle School Club in Lehigh Acres, Pueblo Bonito Club in Bonita Springs and Challenger Middle School Club in Cape Coral. Combined, Boys & Girls Clubs expected more than 700 members this summer.

"As a parent myself, I know how difficult it is to find a safe, affordable summer program for your children," said Denise Gergley, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County. "This generous grant from the Schulze Family Foundation provided scholarship assistance that allowed additional children and teens, regardless of their socioeconomic status, to participate in our programs, which are proven to keep youth engaged and learning over the summer."

The grant also helped cover curriculum and material costs for the Summer Smarts STEM series, a weekly schedule of hands-on activities designed to build skills and knowledge in science, technology, engineering and math. Club members participated in pre- and post-summer testing to measure learning gains.

Boys & Girls Clubs programs are designed for youth ages six through 18 and focus on five core areas: education and career, service and leadership, health and wellness, the arts, and sports and recreation.

The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation was created in 2004 by Best Buy Founder Dick Schulze and primarily serves communities in Florida and Minnesota. It awards grants to nonprofits in the areas of human and social services, education, and health and medicine.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County

Established in 1974, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County serve children and teens through school-based, neighborhood and community club locations. The nonprofit's mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. After-school and summer programs focus on five core areas: education and career, service and leadership, health and wellness, the arts, and sports and recreation. For more information, please visit BGClee.org or call 239-334-1886.