Q&A with Paige Hawkins, BGCLAH San Pedro Elementary Coordinator
What’s your favorite thing about working as the San Pedro Elementary Coordinator at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor?
Being able to work with the kids and help them understand something they weren’t able to get in class. When we’re working with a member whose struggling with their homework, when they finally get it and you see the light bulb go off- that’s my favorite thing about working at the Club. There are a lot of kids who come to the Club because they are behind academically. We provide the opportunity for our members to have equal access to tutors and programs to help them reach their full potential.
How many members do you serve daily?
Across our 18 Sites, the BGCLAH serves 2,500 members per day! In January, we added an additional 5 sites to serve more youth throughout the Greater Los Angeles Harbor area, and this summer we partnered with Mahar House to serve the community in the East Side of Wilmington. The BGCLAH’s ADA serves 1 out of every 5 youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs across LA County!
What does a typical day look like at the Club?
Our members get an after school snack and then they do their homework. If they don’t have homework, they have an activity they have to complete so they’re still doing some type of educational activity. They’re able to stay in the Learning Center for as long as they need until their assignments are finished. They are then able to use our other programs: gym, STEM, art, music, dance, etc.. There are also other programs depending on the day of the week. We have College Bound, Math Club, Reading Club, Writer’s Workshop, Leadership Clubs, and so much more!
How does the Club impact the community?
The BGCLAH’s mission is to help whose who need us most gain equal access to important youth development opportunities. Everyone at the Club works hard to make sure our mission becomes a reality for the youth in our community. As we continue to grow, we are able to serve more youth and make a real impact throughout the LA Harbor area. 99% of our College Bound seniors graduate high school, with 96% of those members going on to attend a college or university. Over 2,500 members PER DAY have access to programs and resources through the Club that allow them to get on their own Pathway to Success and reach their full potential.
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