ROCKFORD, Ill., Feb. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Northstar Lottery Group, the private manager of the Illinois Lottery, launched its newest After School Advantage learning lab at the Boys & Girls Club, Blackhawk Unit in Rockford. This marks the ninth lab of its kind in Illinois providing at-risk youth with meaningful and productive after-school experiences.
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The Blackhawk Unit is located within the Blackhawk public housing community which consists of more than 300 subsidized housing units. Blackhawk serves 650 members from the Blackhawk neighborhood and nearby Beyer School each year and nearly 100 members, ages 6-18, each day.
"The Blackhawk Unit is critically important to the community and we are happy to assist this stellar organization to support those who need it most," said Marco Tasso, president and CEO of Northstar Lottery Group.
Northstar's donation includes eleven computers, a printer and a SMART board. The room that houses the lab has also been given a facelift, complete with new paint, carpet and furniture. Northstar employees volunteered their time to design the lab and make it fully operational.
"Words cannot express how grateful we are to receive this lab. Updating our outdated computer lab gives these children access to top-of-the-line technology – something they wouldn't have otherwise," said Boys & Girls Club of Rockford CEO Chip Stoner.
The After School Advantage program is part of a statewide community investment program in which Northstar Lottery Group has launched nine labs statewide since July 2011, when it officially became the private manager of the Illinois Lottery. All nine centers are fully operational year-round, providing a safe and enriching environment for children and teens in these communities. Northstar plans to open additional labs in several regions throughout the state in the years ahead.
Northstar Lottery Group
Northstar Lottery Group is a consortium of best-in-class companies with more than 50 years combined experience in Illinois. Northstar Group is led by a partnership between GTECH Corporation and Scientific Games Corporation.
Blackhawk Unit
The Blackhawk Unit was founded in 1988. Extended learning programming includes daily homework assistance, computers, arts & crafts, recreation activities, leadership development and daily, free nutritious snacks. The Blackhawk Unit collaborates with the Rockford Housing Authority.
Contact: Chanele Newton (312) 368-5814
SOURCE Northstar Lottery Group
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