Charles English, president of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dallas (BGCD) explains that the non-profit organization took a number of measures to ensure the kids that they serve did not miss out on learning opportunities and healthy living services.
“In all of our classroom spaces, we incorporated virtual learning. We made the investment to be able to stay in touch with our kids who were in school, out of school, and being home-schooled, and made sure they had access to the technology they needed, as well as the learning opportunities they needed,” he states.
While abiding by CDC guidelines, the club allowed for children to come into their facilities and attend their different classroom lectures virtually. They also sent three busses equipped with free wifi into communities with limited access to the internet.
In response to whether the BGCD will continue to incorporate virtual learning, English states, “That is a skillset and benefit of COVID. It has been a very positive experience because now we realize we can serve more kids.”
He notes that thanks to several donations and proper planning, the virtual learning programs that were wildly successful during the early stages of COVID, will continue to serve as information sources for students of all ages.
The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dallas is a subdivision of The Boys and Girls Club of America. It was founded in November of 1965 and operates over 30 Clubs across Dallas and Navarro Counties, providing learning opportunities, community engagement, sports and recreation, counseling and mentorship, and more.
Across these 30+ clubs, English states that only 5 cases of fevers identified at the door were reported. These children, staff, and guests, were not allowed into the building at those times.
The club hosts several events annually, such as Breakfast with the Mayor, Math Blazers, Topp (Threshold of Opportunities) Celebration, and BGCD Day for Kids 2021, which will be held on September 18 from 8 am – 5 pm.
For more information on the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dallas, visit their website here.