Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and Rogers Youth Fund launch Rogers Raising the Grade to help break down barriers to education for youth
Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada (BGCC) in association with the Rogers Youth Fund, is thrilled to announce the launch of a new multi-faceted education program called Rogers Raising the Grade, a dynamic program aimed at increasing academic skills, high school graduation rates and access to post-secondary education for at-risk youth from a select group of Boys and Girls Clubs across the country.
Supported by the Rogers Youth Fund – Rogers national commitment to helping Canada's youth overcome the barriers they face in getting the most out of their education – BGCC will deliver Rogers Raising the Grade at 25 Clubs across Canada. The program will provide thousands of Canadian youth with the skills, tools and opportunities necessary to excel academically and will secure their future success as productive, independent members of society. This interactive, after-school program allows youth to explore their personal interests, receive homework support, connect with mentors and tutors, interact with their peers, increase their digital literacy and plan for post-secondary education.
“We are thrilled to be working with Rogers on this important initiative to provide young people with the necessary educational supports for achieving success at school,” said Pam Jolliffe, President & CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. “We know that education is fundamental to a young person’s successful transition into adulthood and achieving their goals. Through the generous support of Rogers, we will be able to provide this life-changing opportunity for young people.”
Each of the 25 Clubs will have access to a Raising the Grade Technology Centre – a designated space within the Clubs that offers high-speed Internet and up-to-date technology including computers and other electronic resources to support learning. These centres will enable thousands of youth – many of whom otherwise don’t have or have very limited access to technology resources and programs – to gain critical technology skills that will be essential to achieving their goals.
“At Rogers, we believe every student deserves the chance to reach their full potential through education,” said Nadir Mohamed, CEO, Rogers Communications Inc. “We’re proud to be working with Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada to deliver access to the tools and technology that will help give thousands of young people the opportunities to succeed academically and reach their goals.”
As a company, Rogers is encouraging its employees to get involved in their local communities. The company has established an Employee Volunteer Program, which gives staff paid time off each year to volunteer. As part of this program, Rogers staff can choose to volunteer with Raising the Grade at Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada will roll out Rogers Raising the Grade across the country over the coming weeks. For more information about the Raising the Grade program offered through Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada please visit www.bgccan.com.
About Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada
Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada is a leading charitable organization providing after school programs that support the physical, educational and social development of children, youth and their families each year. Boys and Girls Clubs have been helping young Canadians to discover, develop and achieve their potential for over 110 years. To learn more, visit www.bgccan.com
About Rogers Youth Fund
The Rogers Youth Fund initiative is a national program that helps youth overcome education challenges and excel in the classroom and beyond. In partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and 16 other local education charities, the Rogers Youth Fund provides academic support including after-school homework clubs, tutoring, and alternative schooling. For more information, visit www.rogersyouthfund.com
Travis Parnaby
Senior Communications Specialist
905-477-7272 ext. 270
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