As the new school year approaches, Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri is gearing up for a year filled with learning and fun, but BGC staff are encouraging parents to consider signing their child up early due to new membership limits at several Club sites.
“We are still going to hold afterschool programming at each of our 11 Club sites, but some sites will have to limit the number of students they serve,” said Director of Operations Tyler Hudson. “We will do our best to accommodate everyone but it’s important that if you want afterschool care for your child, you contact us soon to get your name on the list.”
Sites affected include Heber Hunt, Horace Mann, Parkview, Skyline, Washington and La Monte. All other sites are expected to serve the same number of members as in previous years. Programming at all sites will be the same, students will receive a snack, homework help and take part in hands-on learning activities.
The change in membership limits is due to uncertain grant funding. BGCWCM receives two federal 21st Century Community Learning Center grants that pass through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. These five-year grants make up the bulk of BGCWCM funding and until they are secured, the Club is forced to limit the number of students served.
“Unfortunately this year the timing of the grant renewal was pushed back and so we’re in a holding pattern until mid to late September, when DESE releases the names of the grant winners,” Hudson said. “We are cautiously optimistic that we will receive these grants again, but until we know for certain we have to start the year out with membership limits. If we do receive the grants, we will be able to open membership back up to previous year levels.”
To ensure your child is signed up for BGC or for more information, call 826-8331. Membership packets can be found on the Boys & Girls Club website, bgckids.com, or at the BGC Administration Office, 3100 Aaron Ave. in Sedalia.
