For the fourth time, Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri has been awarded a highly competitive federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, allowing new and enhanced programming at three of its Club Sites.

The grant, which totals more than $1 million over the five-year grant cycle, will partially fund the Dresden, Horace Mann and Washington Club Sites through the 2025-2026 school year.

 

“We are thrilled to receive this grant opportunity to expand program services at three of our Club Sites,” said Executive Director Gary Beckman. “This will deepen our impact across all of the communities we serve.”

 

21CCLC, which is allocated through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, is a national program providing academic enrichment opportunities in before and/or after school and summer settings for children. Programs must ensure the academic services provided align with school curriculum and offer a broad array of activities that complement regular school-day learning.

 

“We are excited for the opportunity to enhance programming at Dresden, Horace Mann and Washington sites and increase the positive impact we have on Club members,” said Director of Operations Tyler Hudson.

 

The grant will provide funding for more than 15 new or enhanced hands-on activity programs.

Highlights include: Makerspace, a STEM program focusing on creativity, designing and building challenges; Story Wizards, reading program with a focus on the importance of storytelling; Power Hour Recharged, homework help program with an emphasis on reading; My Futures, a computer literacy program specializing in digital literacy and online safety; and Blast From The Past, a program that teaches life skills and lost arts such as sewing and hand-writing letters.

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