Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth

December 22^nd, 2011

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December 12^th, 2011

In the Learning Center at the Steil and Seidman Clubs, our focal point is Power Hour. Power Hour is an extended educational enrichment program emphasizing outcomes to help ensure academic success. Power Hour is based on a point system. Points are awarded for work completed. If participants do not have homework, we provide standardized worksheets and books for them to participate.

Offering homework help and tutoring, the program is designed to raise the academic proficiency of Club members, as early as kindergarteners, with continuous support as members’ progress through seniors in high school. We encourage them to pursue a post-secondary education and develop a lifelong love of learning. We offer Power Hour during the school year Monday-Friday from 3:30 to 6 pm. Power Hour has been successful with the support of our dedicated staff, Calvin College Students and volunteers.

Since September, both the Steil and Seidman Clubs have had a record 2,120 visits to our Power Hour program by Club Members. “It’s exciting to see the kids each day at Power Hour work so hard on their homework with the tutors. It’s a busy place to be after-school!,” explained Bailey Dalton, Education Coordinator at the Seidman Club.

“I think Power Hour has really made a difference in the academic achievement of the kids that come consistently through the Learning Center. It’s so rewarding to see their report cards each quarter and see improvement. The kids also get excited about seeing their grades go up,” commented Jamie Prawdzik, Director of Arts & Education at the Steil Club.

In their own words: Here is what some Club kids have to say about Power Hour.
“My favorite thing to do is make picture projects and plays on the computer and then act them out!” - Ariana, age 10
“It was fun when we used math to make chocolate with Ms. Jamie”, - Valeria, age 13

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