Edinburg Rotary Club Supports Back to School

(Edinburg) August 4, 2010 – In response to the call for more effective homework assistance programs for youth, The Edinburg Rotary Club is providing a $5,000 grant to support the continued implementation of Power Hour at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV. This highly successful homework assistance program helps young people come to view homework as an opportunity to learn to work independently, complete projects on time and feel positive about their accomplishments. In addition the funding will also assist in supporting the Back to School Education Rally to be held on August 16 at 8am at the JcPenney Edinburg. 100 Club members will receive at a free back pack with school supplies and a $50 gift card. Paired with a shopping buddy club members will embark on selecting appropriate school clothing and shoes during their shopping spree. "We are grateful to the Edinburg Rotary Club and our other partners for enabling us to continue utilizing such a high-quality homework assistance program like Power Hour, "Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV. "So many of the children we serve simply do not have access to the resources necessary for successful homework completion, which is critical to their everyday academic success nor do that start the school year out with all their needed supplies." Power Hour: Making Minutes Count is an interactive, after-school homework assistance program for children ages 6 to 18. Unlike assignments done in class, Power Hour work is conducted in a non-threatening and fun after-school environment using adults or older students, who serve as "Homework Helpers," to supervise completion of Club members' homework. In addition to homework help, these staff or volunteers offer age-appropriate activities to stimulate Club members' interest in learning. By explaining the relevance of learning fractions in order to cook a meal, for example, or by showing how geography can enable us to enjoy reading the newspaper, volunteers help Club members learn to value the knowledge homework can bring. Power Hour's long-term goals are to ensure that youth graduate from high school, pursue postsecondary educations and become life-long learners. In addition to "Homework Helpers," Power Hour offers tips for establishing essential communication with teachers and parents. Research has shown that parental involvement is a must if children are to develop good homework habits. Power Hour also provides incentives for Club members, rewarding them with "Power Points" and charting their academic progress on a colorful poster that is displayed prominently in the Club. The Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in the Edinburg community for 39 years, providing daily programs and services to over 16,000 young people. During the School year the Club is open Monday – Friday, 3:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and during the summer the hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. During the summer the Teen Center is located at the Fountain Annex Center at 1210 E. Kuhn Street. The teen summer hours are 1:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. The Club offers programs that emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sport, fitness and recreation. If you would like to learn more about our joining the Club, about how to volunteer as a shopping buddy, or about other youth programs call 956.383.2582 or visit our website www.edinburgkids.com. If you would like to make a contribution please contact Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer at 956.383.2582 or email swalker@edinburgkids.com or you can text "CLUB" to 20222 to donate $5.00.