The Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area (BGCCA) held the official launch of their Rogers Raising the Grade program and Technology Centre, March 26.
The top-of-the-line computer space — decorated in a tasteful modern palette of grey and red —will be home to the interactive after-school program, which aims to encourage youth to work with mentors and peers, get homework help, dig into personal interests, deepen their digital literacy and explore options for post-secondary education.
“It’s really about connecting with the kids and giving them a safe place to come and learn,” said Connor Noyes, the club’s youth engagement coordinator.
Two years in length, youth who complete the Raise the Grade initiative qualify to receive $1,000 for post-secondary education.
Banff-Cochrane MLA Ron Casey attended the grand opening and commended the Rogers Raising the Grade program for providing youth with a unique place to learn outside of a classroom.
“This is a great example of where kids that maybe struggle within a more constrained environment, have the opportunity to come, participate here and gain some confidence,” he said prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony
“It’s about confidence. Maybe you struggle in a classroom environment — you can’t make the grade. But you know what, in this kind of environment, you may find that you excel. Once you build that confidence, you take it back and excel in the school environment.
“I think this is an absolutely outstanding achievement. I know the kids in Cochrane are going to be really well served by it.”
Currently, the centre boasts 10 large personal computers, many of which were being used during the launch by participants of the BGCCA’s leadership program.
In addition to the youth involved with the Rogers Raising the Grade initiative, the centre will be open to children taking part in Torch Club and out of school care programs.
“This will give us a way to reach more kids,” said Noyes. “It’s tougher for us to reach older kids. Even if they just come in to play a game or log on to Facebook — at least they are checking in. (The staff) can still be there to mentor.”
So far, the top-notch technology centre is getting rave reviews from participants.
“I like that we get to play games and catch up on homework — I don’t have to worry about that when I get home,” said 11-year-old Jillian MacMillan, who was busy working away at a writing assignment during the kick-off party.
Noyes said the Rogers Raising the Grade program will be geared towards youth in Grades 8-12. The program will run after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
