Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club was barking up the right tree when it was selected as recipient of a MetLife Foundation grant to create the club’s new Learning Center.
Funded by the MetLife Foundation, the Learning Center recently celebrated its grand opening with special guest “Snoopy” of Peanuts cartoon fame.
“We were delighted to receive the Leverage for Learning Fund grant from MetLife Foundation because it allows us to keep education a top priority for the children we serve,” said Flint Fowler, executive director of the Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club.
Fowler said the recognition demonstrates to the public that “our club as more than a place that keeps kids off the streets.”
The MetLife Foundation Learning Center goal is merging technology and non-traditional methods of learning with program areas to provide a learning-rich environment.
The center will enable members to explore many approaches to learning, creating opportunities to utilize educational resources available in the library and educational software in the computer lab.
The Club received funding for the center through a national competitive grant process. In order to be considered for funding, local Boys & Girls Clubs had to demonstrate strong plans for enhancing their educational program and raise matching funds.
The grant covers expenses for physical enhancement of the learning center space, purchase of learning center books and supplies and also educational computer software.
“We believe investing in the education of our nation’s youth is an absolute must,” said Sibyl Jacobson, president, MetLife Foundation.
“We have chosen to make our investment in Boys & Girls Clubs because they have a solid track record of reaching youth and implementing education programs that significantly improve children’s academic performance.”
Special guests at the celebration included April Hawkins, Metlife Foundation program manager, Congressman William “Lacy” Clay, U.S. Attorney James Martin, Alderman Freeman Bosley, Sr., Ron Jackson, vice president of St. Louis Public Schools Board of Education and Floyd Irons, special assistant to the SLPS superintendent.
Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club offers one-on-one tutoring with volunteers from local colleges and businesses, homework assistance and computer classes four days each week throughout the school year (4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday).
On Fridays, a hands-on activity created by the St. Louis Science Center is offered.
MetLife Foundation, established by MetLife in 1976, supports education, health, civic and cultural programs throughout the United States. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.
