Anonymous
Source: United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County
When United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County (UBGC) opened their doors as full-day Learning and Enrichment Centers last August, they soon realized many of the students were struggling and in need of an extra layer of educational assistance.
Staff recognized that students needed additional time with their school work, and students showed up with hundreds of missing assignments and had not been to Zoom classes or received online tutoring in months. Their team got together and designed a program that is a three-pronged approach to get students back on track and performing at grade level.
“We want our kids to feel empowered in their journey through learning and our Clubs along with staff are here to be a guide, providing them with the tools they need while also making it fun,” said Laurie L. Leis, UBGC Vice President of Advancement.
The three programs offered throughout the year consist of Super Saturdays, Summer Spectacular Camp and the after-school tutoring and enrichment program, Power Hour. The Saturday program provides tutoring in math and ELA, fun educational projects in social sciences, sports clinics, and organized games. Students along their Saturday journey receive awards and incentives based on participation. After getting eight punches on their Saturday ticket, the student then qualifies to be part of a day at Camp Whittier. The camp is 94 acres in the Santa Ynez Mountains for the kids to explore, participate in archery, Zipline, swim, and hike. Other components of the Back on Track program include Summer Spectacular that is a ten-week summer camp, and Power Hour, an after-school tutoring program for grades K-12. All three programs will have an educational
component that will improve literacy and math skills to get students back on track in their educational journey.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be re-opening our clubs on Saturdays again to help get our club members “back on track” academically. Saturdays have always been my favorite day in club
work, and now they are even more impactful,” shared Michael Baker, CEO.
“We believe that every child deserves an equitable journey in education and learning, and we hope to raise enough money by the end of May to provide a free summer camp at all seven locations. Donate today, and together we can make that happen for the youth in Santa Barbara County,” said Laurie L. Leis.
To donate or learn more, visit www.unitedbg.org or call 805-681-1315
