DETROIT, Mich. (August 17, 2020) – There are a lot of unknowns for families surrounding the upcoming school year as we adjust to life with COVID-19. To alleviate some of the stress, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) and the Downtown Boxing Gym (DBG) – two award-winning nonprofit organizations dedicated to enriching the lives of young people and providing the tools they need to succeed – are partnering to expand location options and offer full-day learning assistance for children and families in metro-Detroit.
BGCSM’s “Learning Labs” will open September 8th, in multiple Club locations within Detroit, Highland Park, Pontiac and Auburn Hills to Club members ages 6-18 for onsite and virtual learning. Locations will stay open from 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Club youth will have access to internet access, meals, guided learning and settings where trained staff will be on-site and online to assist with homework, studies and activities.
“During these unprecedented times we must remain agile so we can continue to be ‘that safe place’ for youth and families across Southeastern Michigan,” said Shawn H. Wilson, President & CEO BGCSM. “Both DBG and BCGSM have the opportunity to provide critical resources as many parents are anxious about juggling work and helping their kids learn from home. We hope our expanded learning labs will help our members not only survive but thrive.”
Additional BGCSM program offerings include, Passport to Manhood, SMART Girls, Triple Play, Power Hour, Virtual Club, Industry Club, career exploration, and youth entrepreneur & small business start-up training. Registration will begin Aug. 17 and continue through Sept. 4 on the BGCSM website.
The Downtown Boxing Gym will expand to provide full-day programming for its 150 Detroit students, ages 8-18, which includes reading and math intervention, tutoring, mentorship, enrichment programs, athletics, college and career readiness, transportation, and more, Monday-Friday. For health and safety reasons, students have been divided into smaller groups based on age and grade and the gym is taking a host of other measures from touch-free temperature screenings to mandatory masks and more at its 27,000 square foot facility on Detroit’s east side.
DBG’s programs are all provided free of charge. The internationally recognized program has a 100% high school graduation rate for participating students since 2007.
“The programs and services we provide are an essential piece of the puzzle to help prevent students from falling behind and address the emotional toll the pandemic is taking on our kids,” said Jessica Hauser, DBG’s executive director. “Working parents depend on safe places and spaces for their children. BGCSM and DBG both offer outstanding programming and peace of mind. It’s amazing to work with such a great ally and provide the best possible support for our kids – especially at a time like this.”
Both organizations are also providing virtual learning support for those who need it. BGCSM will host “In Club Virtual Learning Assistance” at its locations. Drop-off can be as early as 7:30 a.m. and pickup can be as late at 6:00 p.m. DBG students will have access to devices, internet service and other online programming and support that will focus on its own unique programming and classwork provided by schools.
To learn more about what both organizations are offering this fall, visit:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan at bgcsm.org
- Downtown Boxing Gym at dbgdetroit.org
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About Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan
Founded in 1926, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) has over 94 years of experience serving youth ages 6-18 by providing a safe, fun place that inspires, while offering high quality programs that provide real-world learning from caring adult mentors. Serving nearly 15,000 youth annually within eight Clubs throughout southeastern Michigan, BGCSM works every day to provide a world-class experience, empowering youth to become change agents through economic mobility. To learn more about BGCSM visit www.bgcsm.org and follow us on social media on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!
About the Downtown Boxing Gym
The Downtown Boxing Gym is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing a free, after-school academic and athletic program to 150+ Detroit students ages 8-18. Founded in 2007 by Coach Khali Sweeney, the program focuses on books before boxing and includes tutoring, mentorship, enrichment programs, college and career readiness, healthy meals, transportation, community service opportunities and athletics all year round. Since the gym opened its doors, 100% of participating students have graduated from high school. DBG is housed in a former bookbinding factory on East Vernor Highway in Detroit. Learn more at dbgdetroit.org or by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.