By Jinnie Hanson, Director of Marketing & Communications
TACOMA, WA – The Safeco Foundation has awarded the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound a $50,000 Education Initiative grant to support the intensive academic support of four high poverty elementary schools in Pierce County as part of a five year 21st Century Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) grant that began one year ago.
The project provides 400 elementary-aged students and about 100 parents and caregivers with academic and enrichment services designed to level the playing field of underperforming students. Students functioning at least one year behind their peer group in math, based on teacher perception and scores are recruited to participate. Highly trained site coordinators work at each identified school site. Each student receives a free membership to the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound and daily snacks/meals are offered. Parental involvement is a critical component of this project’s design. Quarterly “family nights” are held on a variety of subjects including literacy, cultural and healthy lifestyle events.
The two over-arching goals are to 1) increase achievement in meeting state standards in mathematics for 400 elementary-school aged students, and 2) provide 100 parents/caregivers with the resources they need to support the academic achievement of their students.
Initiatives of this magnitude require considerable resources,” said Mark Starnes, President / CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound. “The 21st Century grant is incredible, but it does not cover all of our costs, so Safeco Foundation’s investment in our kids is critical,” he added.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound
Boys & Girls Clubs (bgcsps.org) has played an integral role in the South Puget Sound community for 73 years, providing daily programs and services to over 11,500 young people. The Club is open all day during the summer and after school during the school year, with programs that emphasize education and career enhancement, character and leadership development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation. Learn more at facebook.com/bgclubs.