The Boys and Girls Clubs on Wheels Coming to a Martin County Neighborhood Near You
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County first felt the impact of the pandemic in March 2020 when they were forced to close their four clubs (Hobe Sound, Port Salerno, Indiantown, and Palm City/Stuart) for several months. But that didn’t deter them from delivering on their mission to provide evidence-based arts instruction to area students. They quickly transitioned to virtual program delivery and the distribution of art supply kits so children could participate in arts activities at home.
At that moment, it was clear that delivering programming to homes and neighborhoods was now a vital necessity. With a grant from the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, “Boys & Girls Clubs on Wheels” will create access to local communities, not just for club members but all of Martin County.
Powered by solar panels, WI-FI equipped, and showcasing the latest technologies, this mobile classroom will engage area children in music, visual and performing arts, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), language, and literacy activities.
This collaborative workspace designed for creating, learning, exploring, and sharing ideas will help students in kindergarten through 12th grade learn to problem-solve and acquire critical skills essential for success in school and life.
“We must reimagine how we deliver enriching programs to youth to ensure that high-quality learning opportunities aren’t confined to just the classroom. The Boys & Girls Clubs on Wheels will create access and opportunity for all youth to learn and receive essential social-emotional support and engage in enriching extracurricular experiences, especially the arts, in a safe, fun environment.”
Research shows that kids born into poverty are likely to suffer a 6,000-hour learning gap by the time they reach 6th grade, compared to their middle-class peers, according to the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit education advocacy organization.
“Boys & Girls Club on Wheels” will help students in every zip code in Martin County to experience enriching learning experiences that allow them to reach their full potential.
The Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation shares the Boys & Girls Clubs’ mission of education for all. We utilize our assets to promote the arts and create programs that inspire, engage, and improve our communities.
The “Boys & Girls Clubs on Wheels” is scheduled to roll out this summer, delivering arts programming to children and teens located in neighborhoods across Martin County. We’re excited to watch its impact.
If you would like to learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, please visit their website: https://www.bgcmartin.org.