Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Rhode Island gets $10,000 grant in support of STEAM programs
CUMBERLAND — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Rhode Island (BGCNRI), a nonprofit organization inspiring local youth and teenagers to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens has received a $10,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation in support of STEAM programs.
The Verizon Foundation also supported the Clubs in 2018, and has been a crucial partner in strengthening programs to support members overall academic achievement, interest in science and technology, and preparation for future careers.
BGCNRI provides 190 members of all ages access to STEAM programs. Children age 5-12 are offered three 9-week STEAM curriculum with DIY STEM kits, staff generated projects, and a host of diverse, experienced speakers. Teenagers age 13-18 are offered courses in application and game design, 3D printing classes, robotics, and coding. In addition to industry insight, STEAM programs teach members team synergy, problem solving skills, and knowledge application.
“Our Tech Centers have notably improved since our partnership with The Verizon Foundation in 2018,” said Gary Rebelo, President and Chief Executive Officer of BGCNRI.
“We experienced a signifcant increase in members last year due to a merger between our Woonsocket and Cumberland-Lincoln Clubhouses, Verizon has made it possible to keep up with the demand for new technology. STEAM education is crucial to the future success of America’s youth, and this grant provides them with the resources they deserve to cultivate a passion for technology into a valuable skill set.”
“Verizon is excited to partner again with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern RI on their STEAM programming,” said Michele Cinquegrano, Regional Director of Verizon Government Aairs. “Education in STEAM can expand students’ opportunities for both study and work, providing more opportunities across their career trajectories.”
Verizon’s mission is to improve lives and promote innovative lifestyles through the most reliable and latest technology in the digital front. This ideology extends further than providing consumers with technology. Verizon is dedicated to assisting passionate youth in their lifelong journey through the technology field.
BGCNRI would like to thank the Verizon Foundation for the generous grant, and support of youth programs. With funding from the Verizon Foundation, BGCNRI members will be pro- vided with limitless opportunities in the STEAM field.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Rhode Island
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Rhode Island (BGCNRI) is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need help most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. In 2018, the Boys & Girls Club of Cumberland- Lincoln and the Boys & Girls Club Woonsocket merged to create BGCNRI to enhance program delivery and increase operational efficiencies. Through the merger, BGCNRI is able to achieve the strategic goal of serving more Northern Rhode Island youth. BGCNRI has provided quality programs and outreach services in the critical areas of academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character & leadership development to help put all youth on a path to a Great Future.
