The Boys & Girls Club of AC Kicks Off Building of New Teen Center for Economic Youth Development & College Readiness with a $500,000 Commitment from MGM Resorts International
Official Announcement of the Teen Center Capital Campaign took place at 5:30 p.m. at 317 N. Pennsylvania Avenue on October 11.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., Oct. 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City will launch one of the most aggressive fundraising goals in its 45-year history with the announcement of a $2 million capital campaign to build a new Teen Center for Economic Development & College Readiness. The Club will be known as the MGM Resorts International Teen Center for Economic Youth Development & College Readiness thanks to a generous investment of $500,000 from MGM Resorts International, owner of Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.
The goal of the Teen Center for Economic Development & College Readiness is to transform the future of the youth of Atlantic City by providing them a space they can go to after school to develop the necessary skills to graduate high school, attend college or begin a career. With more than 93% of Atlantic City Boys & Girls Club youths living under the poverty level, having a job and college readiness programs is vital to helping them find economic stability for them and their families. Programs will include:
- Work for development in three key industries: health, hospitality and technology. It will include a teaching kitchen, simulations rooms and fabrication lab.
- Academic enrichment in STEM classes, high school tutoring, SAT prep and college access program. It will also include internships and scholarships.
- Community workforce development opportunities and serves as a hub for other organizations that serve families impacted by the Boys & Girls Club
"Today we support about 1,900 youth a year. This center will not only help about 400 more kids, but it will expand our services to provide them with the skills and tools necessary to break the cycle of poverty. We could not transform the lives of so many without the support of MGM Resorts and our donors. Thanks to them we are well on our way to creating a better future for thousands of Atlantic City youth," said Dr. Michelle Carrera, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City.
"At MGM Resorts, we are committed to supporting organizations that share our values and drive change in each of the communities where we are located," says Shelley Gitomer, Vice President, Philanthropy and Community Relations, MGM Resorts International. "We have come to know the Boys & Girls of Atlantic City through Borgata and their mission and goals align with our philosophy to support education and workforce development. We hope that our donation will encourage other members of the local business community to also be part of the campaign and support the mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City."
The Opportunity
The $2 million will be used to upgrade the Pennsylvania Avenue building. In December 2017, The City of Atlantic City provided the Boys & Girls Club with a 30-year lease for the building at 1010 Drexel Avenue, directly behind the Club's current building at 317 North Pennsylvania Avenue. The Usry building will allow the Club to transfer the younger members to a building that is already equipped for pre-school and elementary school-aged children. The 317 building will then be renovated into the MGM Teen Club. The funds will also be used to create an operational fund for the career programs for five years.
"We could not be more grateful for partnerships like those with MGM. Their donation has jump started our capital campaign and I'm hopeful that with continued community support we will open our doors for teens all across Atlantic City in 2019," continued Dr. Carrera.
About the Boys and Girls Clubs of Atlantic City
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Atlantic City is a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to provide the resources for the development of young people, from all backgrounds, to realize their full potential as responsible, caring adults. We serve approximately 1,900 children and teens, ages 6 to 18. Our approach focuses on core programs with adults, peers, and family members that enable children to enhance self-esteem and fulfill their potential. The core program areas are: Education and Career Development; Character and Leadership Development; Health and Life Skills; and Sports, Fitness and Recreation and Arts.
SOURCE The Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City
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