Tag: Boys & Girls Clubs

Boys & Girls Club members to enjoy ice skating and lunch in downtown Knoxville

Posted by Sarah Malak – December 19, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – Tomorrow, one hundred youth from Boys & Girls Clubs in Blount, Loudon and North Anderson Counties will experience a day in downtown Knoxville full of fun and holiday memories – all sponsored by Regal Entertainment Group.

The youth will be given hats, scarves and gloves, admission to Holidays on Ice skating rink in downtown Knoxville’s Market Square and lunch at a downtown restaurant.

The event is tomorrow, December 20. Group One will eat lunch at Downtown Grill & Brewery from 11 a.m. to noon and ice skate in Market Square from noon to 1:30 p.m. Group Two will eat lunch at Latitude 35 from noon to 1 p.m. and ice skate in Market Square from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

“We are so thankful to Regal Entertainment Group for sponsoring this field trip to downtown Knoxville for our youth,” said John D. Lee, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. “Tomorrow’s activities will create lasting memories for the youth who participate – and enjoying an afternoon in downtown Knoxville will be a first for many of these kids. It will truly be a day to remember.”

Please contact Sarah Malak Pope at 865.584.0550 (w), 615.542.2999 (m) or spope@ackermannpr.com to arrange interviews and/or a visit. Boys & Girls Club staff and youth will be available for interviews.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley
Boys & Girls Clubs currently serves more than 5,600 youth and teens, ages 5 to 17 years throughout the Tennessee Valley region. The organization also provides 404,401 USDA hot meals and snacks annually for youth free of charge. The Clubs serve a variety of youth, more than 80% of whom live with a single parent, foster parent or other nontraditional guardian. There are 16 Club locations strategically placed throughout Knox, Blount, Loudon and Northern Anderson Counties. The organization employs more than 260 trained, professional, caring staff and welcomes more than 1,200 volunteers annually. It is a charter member of United Way.

Media Contact:
Sarah Malak Pope
Phone: 865.584.0550
spope@ackermannpr.com

Peyton Manning and the PeyBack Foundation bring holiday cheer to teens at Boys & Girls Clubs

Posted by Sarah Malak – December 14, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – On Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 4:30 p.m., Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning will host a holiday party at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley’s Moses Teen Center for 200 teens from Knox, Blount, and North Anderson Counties. 

Due to pro football season being in session, Manning will not be able to attend, but he is sending each of the members a special gift package and providing pizza and drinks.  Manning and the PeyBack Foundation have sponsored this event for the teen members for the past seven years. 

The Moses Teen Center is located at 220 Carrick Street, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37921.  The event will take place in the auditorium on the second floor.

“For the past seven years, Peyton Manning has brightened the holiday season by donating needed items as well as a pizza party for deserving members.  Since his involvement as a summer staff member at the Boys & Girls Clubs many years ago, he realizes not only what impact he has had on our members, but also the impact that our members have had on him.  We appreciate his loyalty to our organization and to our community,” said John D. Lee, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley.

Manning’s relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley goes back to his college days at the University of Tennessee.  Manning is a former staff member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, as he worked for two summers as a participant in the Athlete Reading Program.  He was also the featured speaker at the 2006 Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame and Induction Ceremony, an annual event that benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley.

Interviews and photo opportunities may be arranged on site.  For more information, call Anna Beth Meccia at (865) 232-1120 or Sarah Malak Pope at spope@ackermannpr.com.

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ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE TENNESSEE VALLEY: The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley serves 5,600 children through 15 locations in Knox, Loudon, Blount and North Anderson Counties.  On average, 1,200 youth, ranging from 5 to 17 years of age, walk through the Clubs’ doors daily.  Programs at the Boys & Girls Clubs encourage youth to aspire to BE GREAT by increasing academic success, encouraging healthy lifestyles and developing productive citizens.

Knoxville philanthropist receives award for improving quality of life for at-risk youth

Posted by Sarah Malak – October 11, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – Edfinancial Services and its Chairman, President and CEO Tony Hollin have been named recipients of the Boys & Girls Clubs Tennessee Area Council C.A.R.E. (Children Are Reason for Excellence) Service Award. The state-wide C.A.R.E. Award provides recognition to individuals who have made significant contributions to the quality of life for at-risk youth in Tennessee.

Tony Hollin, Chairman, President and CEO of Edfinancial Services and member of BGCTNV Corporate Board of Directors

Hollin is a member of the Corporate Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV) and has served on the marketing and communications committee, property committee and annual giving committee.

“Tony and Edfinancial’s philanthropic roles in the Tennessee Valley region have had an enormous impact on the community, especially through their commitment to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley,” said John D. Lee, President and CEO of BGCTNV.

“The company’s employees work every day to make a compelling difference in the lives of the students and families they serve by donating time, energy and funding – as both a company and individual associates,” said Lee.

Hollin was a member of the Boys Club of Valdosta and spent his youth playing sports at the Club, which enabled him to play high school and collegiate football.

For more information about Tony Hollin and Edfinancial and their contributions to BGCTNV, contact Sarah Pope at (865) 584-0550 or spope@ackermannpr.com.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley

Boys & Girls Clubs currently serves more than 5,600 youth and teens, ages 5 to 17 years throughout the Tennessee Valley region. The organization also provides 404,401 USDA hot meals and snacks annually for youth free of charge. The Clubs serve a variety of youth, more than 80% of whom live with a single parent, foster parent or other nontraditional guardian. There are 16 Club locations strategically placed throughout Knox, Blount, Loudon and Northern Anderson Counties. The organization employs more than 260 trained, professional, caring staff and welcomes more than 1,200 volunteers annually. It is a charter member of United Way.

Media Contact:
Sarah Malak Pope
(865) 584-0550
spope@ackermannpr.com

President/CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley retiring

Posted by Sarah Malak – September 19, 2011

John D. Lee

Knoxville, Tenn. ― After spending four decades of his professional career with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, John D. Lee is announcing his retirement.  He is only the second President/CEO in the organization’s history since its inception in 1943.

A native of Charleston, S.C., Lee began his career with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley as Assistant Executive Director on September 16, 1970.  With more than forty years of experience, Lee has not only been invaluable to the Boys & Girls Clubs, but also to the local community.   He has been a mentor to many in the area, lending his expertise and advice on a variety of topics, including management and fundraising.

But, his heart and passion have always revolved around his work with the Boys & Girls Clubs, developing area youth and helping to change the lives of thousands of young people.  Throughout his career, he has ensured that every young person in the Boys & Girls Clubs program has been given the opportunity to grow and develop in a safe and nurturing environment.

“We’d like to thank John Lee for his extraordinary service with the Boys & Girls Clubs over the past few decades,” said Bunny Oakes, chairman of the organization’s corporate board of directors. “He has taken the organization to new heights and has truly made a difference in the community. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley is what it is today because of John’s efforts.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley’s new strategic president and CEO, whom will be announced in the coming weeks, will lead and direct the agency in growing its mission of promoting the educational, vocational and character development of boys and girls in a safe and caring environment.

The new BGCTNV president and CEO will begin working with the organization in mid to late November. Lee’s retirement will be effective December 31, 2011.

For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, visit www.BGCTNV.org.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley

Boys & Girls Clubs currently serves more than 5,600 youth and teens, ages 5 to 17 years throughout the Tennessee Valley region. The organization also provides 404,401 USDA hot meals and snacks annually for youth free of charge. The Clubs serve a variety of youth, more than 80% of whom live with a single parent, foster parent or other nontraditional guardian. There are 16 Club locations strategically placed throughout Knox, Blount, Loudon and Northern Anderson Counties. The organization employs more than 260 trained, professional, caring staff and welcomes more than 1,200 volunteers annually. It is a charter member of United Way.

Michael Phelps Foundation program expands in local Boys & Girls Clubs

Posted by Sarah Malak – July 28, 2011

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Michael Phelps Foundation has expanded it signature program through Boys & Girls Clubs of America, making it available to 16 Clubs across 14 states this summer, including the Haslam Family University Club in Knoxville, Tenn., a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV).

WATE-TV’s Erica Estep produced a story (below) yesterday on the new swim program, called “im,” which was developed in partnership with KidsHealth.org and the Michael Phelps Swim School and offers water safety lessons, recreational aquatic activities and health, wellness and goal-setting instruction.

WATE-TV Story on Michael Phelps Grant at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley

The program, named in recognition of Phelps’ signature event, the Individual Medley, and as an abbreviation to the self-affirming “I am,” is based on the same basic techniques and principles that Michael Phelps has implemented throughout this swimming career.

“I was first introduced to the sport of swimming through water safety,” said Phelps, a 16-time Olympic medalist and Founder of the Michael Phelps Foundation. “I hated to get my face wet so I began to learn how to swim on my back, but with proper instruction, I learned to be comfortable and confidant in the water and my passion for swimming grew with each visit to the pool. Now, with the support of the Boys & Girls Clubs and KidsHealth.org, we are able to offer children a program that will help them become water safe, teach them to set and achieve goals, and live healthier, active lifestyles.”

“We are so proud to have the ‘im’ program here in Knoxville,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV) Aquatics Director Sydney Pennington. “This curriculum is so much more structured than any other program we’ve used and it’s proven to be very effective.”

Pennington traveled to Baltimore, Md. earlier this year to meet Phelps and his childhood swim coach, and also participate in training for the “im” program. The “im” grant has afforded BGCNTV the opportunity to hire two additional aquatics staff members.

The “im” program includes week-by-week illustrations so the participants will know in advance what they will learn each week during swimming instruction, Pennington said. Participants also take healthy eating and goal-setting classes and earn medals as they advance through the curriculum, with the opportunity to earn eight medals upon completion of the entire program.

“Most of the participants in our program do not come from swimming households and would not have the opportunity otherwise to learn how to swim,” said Pennington. “Swimming is a necessary life skill and drowning is preventable. These lessons are invaluable to the participants.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 15 and is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 4. A study released last month by Pediatrics, the official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, revealed that one child dies every five days from portable pool submersions during warm weather months.

A 2008 survey conducted by USA Swimming and the USA Swimming Foundation determined that two key barriers preventing children from learning to swim were fear of injury or drowning, and the lack of parental encouragement. Further, the USA Swimming study found that nine people drown each day in the U.S., youth drowning rates in ethnically-diverse communities is 2-3 times higher than the national average and that six out of 10 African-American and Hispanic/Latino children do not know how to swim, which is nearly twice as many as their Caucasian counterparts.

Highlights of the “im” pilot program include:

  • Clubs averaged 120 participants and 180 hours of programming
  • More than 75% of the participants received swimming instruction (safe) for the first time in their life
  • 98% of the successful participants felt confident they could now effectively set and achieve goals for themselves
  • 80% of the program participants were of African-American, Latino/Hispanic descent

In addition to developing the program, the Michael Phelps Foundation provides each Club with financial support to assist with overall program costs including staffing, training, supplies and equipment, pool access and maintenance, and administrative expenses as well as official posters, medals, member handbook and assorted prizes.

To learn more about the Michael Phelps Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.michaelphelpsfoundation.org.

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About the Michael Phelps Foundation

The Michael Phelps Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on growing the sport of swimming and promoting healthy and active lives, especially for children. Fourteen-time Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps established the Foundation with the $1MM bonus he received from long-time sponsor Speedo for winning eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games. The Foundation’s first initiative was a nationwide tour to share Phelps’ Olympic experience and promote his message of Dream, Plan, Reach with members of the Boys & Girls Clubs. Since then, the Foundation has developed and launched the program, helped establish Level Field Fund-Swimming, a grant giving program that provides funding to uniquely talented swimmers in need of financial assistance, and offers autographed swim caps for charity auctions through Caps-for-a-Cause. For more information, please visit www.michaelphelpsfoundation.org or http://www.facebook.com/MichaelPhelpsFoundation.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley

Boys & Girls Clubs currently serves more than 5,600 members, ages 5 to 17 years old throughout the Tennessee Valley region. The organization also provides 404,401 USDA hot meals and snacks annually for members free of charge. The Clubs serve a variety of members, more than 80% of whom live with a single parent, foster parent or other nontraditional guardian. There are 16 Club locations strategically placed throughout Knox, Blount, Loudon and Northern Anderson Counties. The organization employs more than 260 trained, professional, caring staff and welcomes more than 1,200 volunteers annually. It is a charter member of United Way.

Local Boys and Girls Display an Array of Talents at Annual Show

Posted by Ryan Willis – July 22, 2011

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ― With a full week of activities planned for members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, Thursday afternoon was highlighted by the annual talent show held at the Boys & Girls Clubs headquarters.  More than twenty-four acts took to the stage to showcase their talents as individuals or as a group during the two-hour show. 

Participants were placed in one of four different categories with cash prizes of $100, $50 and $25 awarded in each category.  They were judged on their creativity, presentation and overall performance.  Judges for this year’s show included John Duncan, Carla Hatifeld, Barbara Tallent and Anthony Ingram.

 

*Video courtesy of WBIR-TV

The talent show is among a week full of activities for Boys & Girls Clubs members.  Teen members were given the opportunity to take part in “Career Exploration” days where they learned about different careers in the Knoxville area.  Local business professionals spoke to the group and gave the teens the opportunity to ask questions about their careers. 

The week concluded with the Boys & Girls Clubs’ 65th Annual Fun Day on Friday, sponsored by the Knoxville Civitan Club.  The kids enjoyed a day full of carnival games, inflatables and even a dunking booth.  Refreshments were provided along with drawings for prizes, including new bicycles. 

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley
Boys & Girls Clubs currently serves more than 5,600 youth and teens, ages 5 to 17 years throughout the Tennessee Valley region. The organization also provides 404,401 USDA hot meals and snacks annually for youth free of charge. The Clubs serve a variety of youth, more than 80% of whom live with a single parent, foster parent or other nontraditional guardian. There are 16 Club locations strategically placed throughout Knox, Blount, Loudon and Northern Anderson Counties. The organization employs more than 260 trained, professional, caring staff and welcomes more than 1,200 volunteers annually. It is a charter member of United Way.

Media Contact:
Sarah Malak
(865) 584-0550
smalak@ackermannpr.com

Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Walmart Foundation recognize national library week with the launch of 100 reading rooms

Posted by Sarah Malak – April 21, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – In recognition of National Library Week (April 10-16) and Support Teen Literature Day (April 14), Boys & Girls Clubs of America announces the expansion of its reading initiative that promotes both educational and leisure reading for tweens and teens through a $1.15 million grant from the Walmart Foundation. The Bright Spot for Reading initiative will be added to 100 Boys & Girls Clubs across the U.S. to create a dedicated reading center for members.

According to the 2009 Reading Report Card, only 33 percent of fourth graders are reading proficiently and 17 percent of low-income fourth-grade students are reading well. By the eighth grade, the reading proficiency rate drops to 32 percent for all students and 16 percent for low-income eighth-grade students.

The Walmart Foundation previously funded BGCA with $1.4 million for Bright Spot for Reading initiatives at 100 Clubs in the U.S. Since that time, it’s estimated that more than 6,000 young people are actively reading in Bright Spots and 40 percent of Clubs have seen an increase in teen participation. The new $1.15 million grant will expand the Walmart Foundation’s Bright Spot for Reading initiative to include an additional 100 Bright Spots at Clubs across the U.S.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley’s “Bright Spot” is located in the Moses Teen Center at 220 Carrick Street in the Mechanicsville neighborhood.  The reading area funded by the Wal-Mart Bright Spot for Reading initiative provides a comfortable and aesthetically appealing place for members of Moses Teen Center to relax and read.  Located in the tech lab of the center, the area is defined by shelving, couches, tables, lamps, area rugs, and full size lounging pillows as well as wall décor.

Moses Teen Center established reading/discussion groups within their existing “SMART Girls” and “Passport to Manhood” clubs with 10-12 members regularly participating.  Thanks to the Wal-Mart Foundation’s Bright Spot initiative, other Club members have gained interest in reading with sixty (60) members taking the initial survey required to take part in the project.

According to John D. Lee, President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, “It is our hope that this newly gained interest in reading will spread throughout Moses Teen Center and the entire Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley organization.” The first group reading of the project consisted of Club members reading and discussing “The Color Purple,” followed by a field trip the Tennessee Theatre for the play “The Color Purple” touring America.

“The Walmart Foundation’s Bright Spot for Reading initiative is essential in motivating our youth to read and preparing them for academic success,” continued Lee, “We are grateful to the Walmart Foundation for the opportunity to create an environment that will encourage and allow our youth to enjoy and develop a lifelong love of reading.”

Beginning February 1, 2011, the Bright Spot Reading Centers will feature books targeting young people ages 11 to 15; including programs to encourage Boys & Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley members to read more and develop a positive attitude toward reading.  The centers will offer activities in drama, art and technology; field trips and service learning projects to integrate reading opportunities into every area of the Club.

“At Walmart, we believe education is critical to the lives and success of our nation’s youth,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. “We’re proud to provide the opportunity for more teens to use the Bright Spot reading rooms to grow, learn and excel at school, at home and at Clubs across America.”

In addition to the Club’s new Bright Spot Reading Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s teen website www.myclubmylife.com will continue to serve as a resource for the Club to promote the reading initiative; highlight age-appropriate books and book reviews; and encourage tweens and teens to read more and share their reading experiences with others.  Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley will also strengthen existing and develop new relationships with local libraries to enhance its programs and services.

Located at 220 Carrick Street, Moses Teen Center provides program opportunities for over 500 boys and girls each year. The Club is open Monday-Friday, 3 to 8 p.m. during the school year, and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during summer and school holidays. Children interested in joining the Club, learning more about The Walmart Foundation Bright Spot for Reading Initiative or other youth programs may contact Shauna McKinney at Moses Teen Center, (865) 232-1210.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has changed and saved lives, enabling young people to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, some 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve some 4 million children and teens through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in neighborhoods throughout the country and on U.S. military installations worldwide, providing a wide variety of youth development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. Key programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. The Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From Feb. 1, 2009 through Jan. 31, 2010, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $512 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally, $467 million of which was donated in the U.S. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

About National Library Week
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries – school, public, academic and special – participate.

Media Contact:
Sarah Malak
(865) 584-0550
smalak@ackermannpr.com

Boys & Girls Clubs members, volunteers featured in Knoxville News Sentinel

Posted by Sarah Malak – April 20, 2011

On Sunday, April 17, the Knoxville News Sentinel published a story about the food distribution that took place at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley headquarters on Saturday, April 16.

Boys & Girls Clubs members and other community volunteers handed food out to families who stopped by and registered.

The event was part of Boys & Girls Clubs’ focus on promoting volunteer work as part of helping members become productive citizens.

Read the full story here!

$10,000 grant from Best Buy Children’s Foundation helps local Boys & Girls Club

Posted by Sarah Malak – October 27, 2010

Knoxville, Tenn. – Best Buy Children’s Foundation has recognized Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley with a $10,000 Teens and Technology Innovation Grant to support and grow the innovative use of technology within the Haslam Family Club University, located on Caswell Avenue in north Knoxville.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley is one of only six recipients across the country to receive this grant, which will be used to fund a teen-driven innovation project using technology to enhance teen programs in the areas of mobile technologies, social networking and/or media safety.

The grant, which aligns with @15, Best Buy’s focus on teens, will allow an estimated 20 Tennessee Valley-area teens to develop marketable skills, achieve academic success and become fully engaged in technology learning. 

This grant will be used for the purpose of extending the Club’s in-house radio station, Radio BGC, into an online station. Boys & Girls Club members will have the opportunity to tune in while at the Club to hear popular music and teen insight and to win contests. Air personalities will also provide public service announcements about important events happening within the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley organization, which includes 15 locations.

Additionally, parents, community partners and other listeners from across the country will be able to access the station on www.radiobgc.org. 

“We are honored to be recognized by Best Buy Children’s Foundation for our incessant commitment to providing youth with the resources to be creative, compassionate and productive citizens,” said John D. Lee, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. “It’s because of partners like the Best Buy Children’s Foundation that we are able to offer technology programming that encourages a passion for education, innovation and future success.”

The Haslam Family Club University, a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, has continuously been recognized for its technology programs. In fact, the north Knoxville Club recently received the Technology Program Innovation Award at Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA’s) 104th Annual National Conference, held this summer in New York, N.Y. 

The Technology Program Innovation Award is presented to one Club throughout the BGCA network that uses technology in innovative ways to teach technology skills as well as enhance overall Club programs and activities.

The Haslam Family Club University provides programs like BGC Radio, an in-house radio station in which members learn the basics of radio broadcasting, and the Comic Book League program, in which members are introduced to the digital and artistic development of the comic book genre. These programs, along with Internet, digital design, photography, movie and music technology classes, helped contribute to the award. 

Millions of America’s youth are in danger of becoming victims of the “digital divide.” These youth are at a disadvantage in the classroom, in the job market and are ill-equipped to take their place as productive members of society. With the help of its partners, Boys & Girls Clubs creates digital opportunities for Club members and staff by making them both computer and Internet literate. Achieving this goal enables Club members to perform on a level playing field both academically and economically.

A study from the University of Washington’s Center for Information & Society found that technology programs like Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Club Tech promote learning, such as an improved fluency, confidence and excitement with technology. It also demonstrated that Club Tech promotes an understanding among youth that computers are considered an essential part of “being educated.”

Best Buy Children’s Foundation continues to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s efforts to create technology rich environments in Clubs to retain teen members, attract new teens and enable Clubs to have a positive impact on their success. Through support of Myclubmylife.com and Teens and Technology Innovation Grants, Best Buy Children’s Foundation is helping Clubs provide a safe, fun and supportive environment to explore, grow and be engaged in the digital and physical community.

For more information on Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley or the Best Buy Children’s Foundation Teens and Technology Innovation Grant, contact John D. Lee at (865) 248-1100 or jlee@bgctnv.org or Kelly Hayman at (865) 248-1136 or khayman@bgctnv.org.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley
Boys & Girls Clubs has served the Tennessee Valley region since 1943. Its mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need the organization the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The organization’s programs are focused on Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career Development, Health & Life Skills, the Arts, Sports and Fitness & Recreation. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley serves members in Knox, Blount, Loudon and North Anderson Counties. The organization employs more than 260 trained, professional, caring staff and welcomes more than 1,200 volunteers annually. It is a charter member of United Way. For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, visit www.bgctnv.org.

About Best Buy Co., Inc.
With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, China, Mexico and Turkey, Best Buy is a multinational retailer of technology and entertainment products and services with a commitment to growth and innovation. The Best Buy family of brands and partnerships collectively generates more than $49 billion in annual revenue and includes brands such as Best Buy; Best Buy Mobile; Audiovisions; The Carphone Warehouse; Future Shop; Geek Squad, Jiangsu Five Star; Magnolia Audio Video; Napster; Pacific Sales; and The Phone House. Approximately 180,000 employees apply their talents to help bring the benefits of these brands to life for customers through retail locations, multiple call centers and websites, in-home solutions, product delivery and activities in our communities. Community partnership is central to the way business is done at Best Buy. In fiscal 2010, the company donated a combined $25.2 million to improve the vitality of the communities where its employees and customers live and work. For more information about Best Buy, visit www.bby.com.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Club Tech Program
Club Tech was created by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) and Microsoft (www.microsoft.com) in 2000 to technologically enable Clubs worldwide, transforming Clubs from “swim and gym” to “point and click.” Partnering with longtime supporter Comcast (www.comcast.com) and Microsoft, BGCA provides technology program access to some 4.2 million youth served through Club membership and community outreach at some 4,000 Clubs. By leveling the virtual playing field, kids of all ages and circumstances now have access to the same resources and skills to help them discover their world, expand creativity, perform better in school, and eventually take their technology know-how into the workplace.

Denzel Washington pairs with Boys & Girls Clubs to curb high school dropout rates

Posted by Sarah Malak – October 6, 2010

(Knoxville, Tenn.) – October 6 – America’s youth need your help. Did you know that a young person drops out of high school every 26 seconds and that 1.3 million students in the class of 2010 failed to graduate? If these students had graduated, our nation’s economy would have benefitted from more than $335 billion in income over their lifetimes. 

To address the graduation gap and the lost potential among America’s young people, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley is joining Clubs across the country to align its program offerings into three major areas – academic success, good character and leadership and healthy lifestyles. The ultimate goal is to measure outcomes and curb the escalating high school dropout rate. 

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley is an affiliate of Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), one of the world’s largest networks of facility-based youth development organizations whose mission focuses on serving young people during out-of-school time. Across the nation, Clubs have an extensive reach into low-income and minority communities where dropout rates are highest. The Clubs believe their access to children after school and during summers, and their proven ability to exert positive influence when kids are not at home or in school, create a powerful opportunity to help keep young people on a positive educational track.

“We believe there is a third piece to the education equation that is too often left out of the conversation. In addition to the critical influence of home and school, the impact that can be exerted during the nonschool hours, including weekends and summers, as well as after school, is a significant factor,” said John D. Lee of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. “We are focusing on this largely untapped opportunity, in partnership with local schools and parents, to help our most vulnerable Club members learn to value education and realize its role in determining their future success.”  

“Our goal is simple to state, but hard to achieve, unless the entire nation understands and responds to this dropout crisis,” said Denzel Washington, a Club alumnus who has served as the organization’s national spokesperson for 18 years. “We want to help every Boys & Girls Club member advance to the next grade level every year, and graduate from high school on time, prepared with the attitude, knowledge and confidence to achieve their full potential. It’s what we mean by ‘Great Futures Start Here.’”

Research indicates that young people who drop out of high school are more likely to be unemployed, be in poor health, be involved with crime, use illegal drugs and become dependent on public assistance. They also are less likely to contribute to their communities in a meaningful way. 

But the high school dropout crisis is a problem that can be solved, according to Dr. Robert Balfanz of Johns Hopkins University, who has collaborated with Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Just 12 percent of America’s 20,000 high schools account for 50 percent of dropouts and almost 75 percent of minority dropouts,” Balfanz said.

The age statistics for the young people served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley indicate the organization’s considerable potential to help keep them on track early on, when poor attitudes and habits begin to form, said Lee. “Seventy-six percent of our members are between the ages of 6 and 12, when we can impress upon them how important education is to their future. Our staff serves as mentors, tutors and role models that kids look up to and respect. Their influence really makes a difference.”

Evidence of Impact
Boys & Girls Clubs across the country have already seen dramatic evidence that a holistic approach, including an emphasis on academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles, is effective. 

According to a Harris Survey of Club alumni, BGCA’s emphasis on education pays off for youth:
* 90 percent of Club alumni graduate from high school or earn a GED.
* Nearly two-thirds reported that Club staff contributed to their success in high school.  

The High School Dropout Crisis – By the Numbers:
* One-third of America’s children do not graduate from high school.
* Nationally, 1.3 million students in the class of 2010 failed to graduate with a high school diploma.
* For Latino and African-American males, the rate rises to nearly 50 percent.
* The U.S. is the only industrialized country where young people are less likely than their parents to obtain a high school diploma.  

“Everyone can have a role in supporting a youth development program, such as ours, that reaches kids during the out-of-school hours,” said Lee. “Be a volunteer tutor or mentor, join a board, make a financial contribution. There are plenty of ways to help,” he said.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley
Boys & Girls of the Tennessee Valley serves some 5,825 young people, ages 6-17, annually in Knox, Blount, Loudon and North Anderson Counties. The programs offered positively impact the lives of Club members with a special emphasis on outcomes that assure academic success, healthy lifestyles and productive citizenship. Clubs provide a safe place to learn and grow, enjoy ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals, participate in life-enhancing programs and character development experiences and provide hope and opportunity to the youth they serve. Learn more at www.BGCTNV.org.

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