The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC) is raising funds for improvements at their teen centers in Seaside and Salinas. With an average of 150 middle and high school members attending daily, the Clubs have run out of room for teens in the current spaces. The project will increase teen spaces by 3,050 square feet, which creates a capacity to serve up to 225 teens per day.
Cost for the teen centers’ improvements is estimated at $750,000. Monterey Peninsula Foundation, host of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and PURE Insurance Championship, recently offered a matching grant of $300,000 for the project. Funding is currently being sought to meet the match by October 1, 2018.
“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County’s teen center improvements will make a significant difference for teens in Seaside and Salinas,” said Steve John, CEO of Monterey Peninsula Foundation. “We think this project is a valuable investment opportunity; and we hope our matching grant will encourage others to support.”
BGCMC President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Jackson detailed the need for more teen services in Monterey County. According to a report from College Futures Monterey County and the Community Foundation for Monterey County, 75% of Monterey County’s high school students aspire to attend college, but only 33% have taken the required courses to qualify for University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU).
“Last year our teen centers served 602 middle and high school members,” Jackson said. “This past Fall, we piloted a College and Career Readiness program with a group of high school members who work one-on-one with our staff to create an individualized plan for their future. Investing in our teen centers and expanding our College & Career Readiness program is critical to ensuring the success of our students and our community.”
For more information or to discuss funding opportunities, please contact development@bgcmc.org or call (831)394-5171.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC) has played an integral role in the community for over 50 years. BGCMC operates Clubhouses in Seaside and Salinas, providing a safe haven for over 600 children and teens a day with programs that focus on Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, Good Character & Leadership. Club members are offered mentoring and guidance to maintain on-grade school progression, graduate from high school, and prepare for college and careers. Nearly 90% of the total budget comes from generous individuals, corporations and foundations. The Clubs are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. during summer and school breaks, and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. when school is in session. Additional information is available at www.bgcmc.org or via phone at 831-394-5171.
About Monterey Peninsula Foundation
Monterey Peninsula Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization which donates funds from the proceeds of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on the PGA TOUR and the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee, a PGA TOUR Champions tournament. The Foundation focuses on improving the quality of life in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties.
www.montereypeninsulafoundation.org
www.pureinsurancechampionship.com
