The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia announced that Dominion Resources has made a gift of $7,500 to support STEM programs in Charlottesville and Albemarle County Clubs, and the Atlantic Coast Pipeline Community Investment Program has made a gift of $10,000 to support Club out-of-school-time education programs for approximately 100 Buckingham County Club members.
Dominion’s generosity, focused on the Club’s Cherry Avenue, Jack Jouett and Southwood units, will help fund elementary and teen STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs, including hands-on engineering, biology, technology and physics projects, as well as competitions and challenges organization-wide.
The gift from the ACP Community Investment Program will support innovative education programs for kids from Buckingham County served in the James River Club in Scottsville. Programs include summer reading and math, which play a vital role in bridging the summer achievement gap, as well as STEM activities, and after-school homework and tutoring.
Dominion’s gift is being made through the Dominion Foundation, the company’s charitable arm.
“Dominion is proud to support an organization that does so much for kids during out-of-school time,” said Hunter Applewhite, President, Dominion Foundation. “Kids need a stimulating environment and good role models, and that is what the Club provides. They are helping keep young people on track by encouraging the enjoyment of learning during times when kids might otherwise fall behind.”
“We are grateful for Dominion’s and the ACP Investment Program’s commitment to our kids’ futures,” said Boys & Girls Club Chief Executive Officer James Pierce. “Their shared desire to provide opportunities for young people is vital to what we do. And as with similar gifts, Dominion and the ACP’s contributions highlight the significant and ongoing need for high quality out-of-school programs. Our Clubs are still only serving 15% of our community’s need. The more our community is there for us, the more we can be there for kids who need us most.”
Dominion and the ACP Investment Program will make check presentations to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia on Wednesday, September 28, at 3 pm at the Cherry Avenue Club, located at 1000-B Cherry Avenue in Charlottesville.
As the leading provider of youth development programs in the area, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia (BGCCVA), serves 3,000 boys and girls, ages 6 – 18, residing in the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Orange and Madison in a total of six Clubs. Programs are open to all young people, particularly those from disadvantaged circumstances, for a basic membership fee of $35 to $50 per year that is waived if not affordable. The Club is open every day after school, all day during the summer and during expanded hours on evenings and weekends.
The BGCCVA’s mission is “to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.” Club activities address five Core Areas of youth development: Education & Career; Character & Leadership; Health & Life Skills; The Arts; and Sports, Fitness, & Recreation. All activities have specific skill goals as well as the underlying goal of instilling a sense of competence, a sense of usefulness, a sense of belonging and a sense of power. Outcomes for our kids emphasize on-time graduation, healthy lifestyles and service to Club and community. Focusing on these areas has proven to be most effective in impacting long-term outcomes for youth and helping them become productive citizens.
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