Boys & Girls Clubs Kicks Off College Bound Program with Double the Number of Teens
Program kicks off with event on Tuesday, Sept.23 to celebrate this year’s growth and goalsSeptember 24, 2008
ATLANTA (Sept. 24, 2008) –Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) hosted its College Bound program kick off event on Sept. 23, 2008 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Loudermilk Conference Center.
College Bound is an educational leadership program developed and provided by Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. The program is designed to support high school students, ages 14-18 who are active members of BGCMA, through the college preparation process and application process. Participants benefit from one-to-one academic advising, SAT and Georgia High School Graduation Test preparation, tips for improving study skills, financial aid and scholarship information and college tours.
The program began in 1994 and has been growing each year. Of the graduating seniors who participated in the program over the past 14 years, 82 percent of them have gone on to enter college.
This year, College Bound doubled its number of participating teens. In 2007-2008 school year, College Bound served 382 members. This year, the program has 743 teen members enrolled and extends through all of BGCMA’s 25 metro Atlanta Clubs.
“Education is such a critical issue today, especially for our teens,” said LaFonda Williams, college bound director for BGCMA. “Our kids face many obstacles at a young age, and our program helps them stay focused on school, and teaches them the importance of education. We inspire our teens, and make sure they know they can achieve their goals and go on to be successful, no matter their challenges.”
Nationally, Boys & Girls Club teens graduate from high school at a rate of 87%, compared to the national average of 66%. And, they finish college at a rate of 25%, compared to the national average of 16%. (statistics from Boys & Girls Clubs of America)
Locally, College Bound’s 2007-2008 senior class graduated 60 members. Of those 60 members, 89 percent of them were accepted to college and plan to continue their education this fall. Thirty-four seniors received funding through the BGCMA Scholarship program, and 25 graduated with honors, having a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average.
“Our national and local statistics are astounding,” continued Williams. “The program works, and the more teens we can reach and help, the better. I am excited about our growth this year, and look forward to working with the 743 teen members.”
ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF METRO ATLANTA
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta operates 25 Clubs in 12 metro counties in addition to Camp Kiwanis and Youth Art Connection, a gallery and workspace for young artists. A trained and professional staff serves more than 17,000 youth annually by offering specialized programming and a safe haven for at-risk and underprivileged children and teens. Memberships cost only $35 per school year but scholarships are available for those who need assistance. For more information, please visit www.bgcma.org.
