The new Center of Hope at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana’s Hammond club celebrated its Sept. 6 opening in style.
The grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting of the renovated learning space featured food, a surprise book and swag giveaway for youth, club tours and a variety of other activities. About 300 people came out for the event.
The Panda Cares Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Panda Express, donated $45,000 in grant funds to renovate the space.
Two rooms were combined to create one larger learning space, which includes a computer lab and furniture, and a literacy room that feels more like a library.
“The center will encourage club members to dream big, express themselves and pursue their educational passions,” according to a press release. “By implementing Project Learn, an evidence-based educational strategy, the Center of Hope will support youth-centered learning, character building, academic success and college readiness through activities like homework help and tutoring and high-yield learning activities.”
According to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2023 National Youth Outcomes Initiative survey, 77% of club members highly enjoy learning and are more likely to graduate on time.
