Boys & Girls Club CEO Bill Parks, Board Chairman Jim Irwin, My.Future students Jaydien Ortiz-Rivera and Taylor Einarson and former Mayor Brian P. Sullivan look at new robotics equipment purchased with the Comcast NBCUniversal grant. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield has received a $10,000 grant from Comcast NBCUniversal to support the My.Future technology program, according to a press release.
A national program, My.Future provides members with the ability to develop strong, grounded digital literacy competency through project-based learning experiences, giving youth in the Westfield area a chance for digital exploration while connecting with friends and receiving support from professional staff in a fun, safe, setting. The free program is available to all general members and licensed childcare members at the Club.
Part of the Boys & Girls Club of America’s Great Futures 2025 initiative, My.Future is designed to enable kids to understand how they can use creativity and technology to solve real world problems. In an environment that stresses online safety, kids will have access to 150 program activities in areas such as STEM, leadership, and visual arts, and also have the opportunity to earn recognition and rewards.
Boys & Girls Club Director of Operations Kellie Brown said with the Comcast grant they were able to purchase more equipment, including new cameras for the digital photography program, an HD projector to enable members to see their work on a big board; new software such as Adobe Premier and Photoshop; Galaxy tablets, and new Lego units to enhance the Club’s robotics program.
“I have personally seen Club kids show us their creativity in robotics and their concern for the environment all through activities they’ve completed in the My.Future platform. My. Future empowers our Club members to realize that they can use technology to make a difference,” said Chief Executive Officer Bill Parks.
My.Future will benefit at least 500 kids at The Club.
“My.Future gives our members the opportunity to explore technology in a fun and exciting way. This program also opens doors to new activities for members to try such as coding and media making. Members even have the chance to see other Club members’ creations across the US and share their own,” added Program and Teen Director Ashley Miehm.
This approach has already produced positive results. In October, the Club won a national challenge against other Boys & Girls Clubs. Tasked to use media-making software to design a motivational poster or a logo for a mock company, the Club’s members won a $500 Michael’s gift card for their efforts.
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield is a 501c3 nonprofit that provides childcare and educational support to 1,500 youth members. A membership for youth ages 9-18 costs just $50 for the entire school year, and youth can enroll at any time. In addition to My.Future, Club members also have access to free tutoring, mentoring, fine arts and performing arts studios, a gymnasium, and swimming pool. Every member is offered a free snack and dinner daily during the school year.
For more information, contact the Club at 413-562-2301, www.bgcwestfield.org, or visit 28 West Silver St. to learn more about My.Future and the dozens of other programs they offer to align with their mission: To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.
