Boys & Girls Club receives grant

VISTA — The Boys & Girls Club of Vista has received a $10,000 grant to launch a new reading initiative that promotes both educational and leisure reading for adolescents. The Walmart Foundation’s Bright Spot for Reading initiative for adolescent readers will help create a reading center, provide training for staff and encourage relationships to ensure the success of young members.
Nationally, the Walmart Foundation awarded Boys & Girls Clubs of America with $1.15 million to help establish reading Bright Spots at 100 Clubs across the U.S.
Beginning in February 2011, the Bright Spot Reading Center will feature books geared for youth ages 11 to 15 and will include programming to encourage adolescents to read more and develop a more positive attitude toward reading. Programming will include activities in drama, art and technology, field trips to libraries and local universities and service learning projects in order to create reading opportunities in every area of the club.
The club’s teen room will serve more than 200 teens a year and help augment the club’s drama.
“The Walmart Foundation’s Bright Spot for Reading Initiative is crucial in preparing youth for academic and life success,” said Matt Koumaras, executive director, Boys & Girls Club of Vista. “We are very grateful to The Walmart Foundation for the opportunity to create an environment that will encourage and allow to develop an affinity for reading.”
In addition, Boys & Girls Club of Vista will also strengthen existing and develop new relationships with local libraries to enhance its programs and services.