SOUTH ELGIN – Oct. 5, 2021 – The Boys and Girls Club of Elgin (BGCE) announces their partnership with DeVry University for the development of a state-of-the-art STEM Laboratory in its Clubhouse, slated to open in 2022. Once open, the state-of-the-art facility will provide daily education, meals, and activities for over 250 children from kindergarten-eighth grade.
DeVry University will have permanent and sole naming rights of the Lab, permanent onsite signage, and volunteer opportunities for DeVry colleagues, faculty, students and alumni. Their deep understanding of technology and its impact on work will help further the mission of The Boys & Girls Club of America, starting with BGCE.
Cathy Russell, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin, said: “The Boys & Girls Club of Elgin is committed to enriching the lives of youth in the surrounding area through its range of programs and initiatives. The Club is well positioned to prepare young people for 21st-century success through its 26 plus years of experience serving at-risk youth in the Elgin area, dedicated social/emotional resilience training, mentorship programs, focus on skills development in STEM and the arts, and workforce development initiatives. It is through strong community partnerships, like the one with DeVry University, who has a national footprint and is demonstrating its roots in Illinois, that makes continuing our mission in South Elgin possible.”
“The pandemic has worked to rapidly accelerate the digital nature of the economy – and with that, created huge demand for the skills needed to thrive in tech enabled careers[1],” said Tom Monahan, President and CEO of DeVry University. “At DeVry, we must help prepare the next generations with digital readiness skills to succeed in the future workforce. We know it is crucial for children and teens in South Elgin – and across the nation -- to have access to the opportunities that a STEM Lab will provide and help open their minds to potential careers in tech. Our partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin is an opportunity to do just that. We look forward to welcoming Club members when the STEM Lab opens.”
The BGCE’s current fundraising campaign has raised more than $3.9 million of its $4.5 million goal — including DeVry University’s Gift. Major donors of the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin include the South Elgin-based Hoffer Foundation and the Wayne-based Wisdom Family Foundation — each gifting $1 million towards the $4.5 million fundraising goal.
To learn more about the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin, please visit https://www.bgcelgin.org/southelgin.
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About Boys and Girls Club
Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
At the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin, we believe that every child deserves a place to feel safe and connected — but most importantly, a place to belong.
With the help of professional and caring mentors, the use of enriching programs, and support from community members, the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin can provide such a place for kids to feel safe, connect with others, and build the skills and confidence needed to reach their highest potential.
More
Chicago Tribune: Boys & Girls Club of Elgin planning clubhouse in South Elgin, more after-school programs in Streamwood
Daily Herald: Boys & Girls Club gets massive mask donation in South Elgin
Daily Herald: Boys & Girls Club of Elgin gets $1 million donation to expand into South Elgin
Chicago Tribune: Wisdom foundation donates $1M to Boys & Girls Club of Elgin’s new South Elgin clubhouse project
WGN: Interview with CEO Cathy Russell & Board Member Damon McDade
Univision Chicago: Interview with South Elgin Board Member Rosey Valencia
