Boys & Girls Club of Fullerton

Technology aptitude is vital for school and workplace success. However, 1,000s of Fullerton’s youth have limited access to this resource. According to the American Computer Foundation, “Without effective computer and Internet training and meaningful access, millions of Americans are missing out on educational and career advancement, on satisfying and efficient communication and on the chance to participate fully in our society” (1.). In order to have a greater impact on our youth, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fullerton have been working with selected community partners to expand our technology centers. Replacing antiquated computers is not enough. We must provide access to safe places with technology, training, and adult support. With this in mind, we are developing a comprehensive “Tech Labs” with a supporting curriculum that begins with understanding the different internal components of a computer and how it is assembled.

College Bound is an evidence-based program appearing in the U.S. Department of Education’s “What Works Clearinghouse” of effective educational interventions.  This program is designed to address needs that are specific to at-risk students and their families.  The Club offers young people what they need and want most: adults who respect and listen to them; a safe environment where they can have fun and be themselves; and interesting, constructive activities that channel youthful energy into challenging pursuits including college, trade school or military service. Program Implementation and Measurement College Bound is measured by the following indicators: • Increased school attendance • Decreased tardiness to school or individual class periods • Decreased number of behavioral referrals • Decreased severity of behavioral referrals • Improved grades • On-time high school credit accumulation (high school students only) • On-time grade progression • High school graduation

Pre- and early-adolescent girls in America face considerable and varied challenges. Adolescence is a time when girls establish behaviors and develop lifestyles that can have significant consequences for their health as adults. Many girls carry forward into adulthood the eating and exercise habits that they form as girls. Adolescent girls may be particularly susceptible to experience cultural pressures exerted around issues of physical appearance and body image. How they respond to peer pressure and the temptations to smoke, drink or experiment with drugs or early sexual activity can affect the quality of their lives as adolescents and as adults. Passport to Manhood promotes and teaches responsibility for male Club members ages 11-14. At a critical and transitional time in their adolescence, boys are encouraged to adopt the character virtues that will give them a positive head start in their journey to manhood.

STEM Up for Youth, in partnership with the Fullerton Boys and Girls Club will implement a STEM program with the intention of combating summer learning loss among children in 4th through 6th grade. It is estimated that the equivalent of one month of overall learning is lost after summer vacation and that 2.6 months of math skills are lost in the course of one summer. To prevent these dramatic setbacks, researchers believe 2 – 3 hours a week of dedicated learning time are needed to prevent summer learning loss (National Summer Learning Association). It is with this research in mind that STEM UP will develop hands-on STEM programming for Boys & Girls Club students.

According to a mission statement from Ms. Huh, “G.I.V.E. strives to create an inspiring and learning environment for young children. Through enriching activities, we work to enhance children’s academic and musical foundations by providing the resources and tutor-based guidance that help towards success. Our goal is to give our students an opportunity to find their passion for music and math studies. We offer a diverse range of curricula, both qualitative and quantitative, designed to supplement and enhance their education. Moreover, we encourage and empower our volunteers to share their knowledge and experience through direct community involvement in an effort to foster civic responsibility and leadership.”