(La Porte County, IN) - The Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County is wrapping up its first year of operating eight locations in La Porte, Michigan City, Westville, and Kingsford Heights, its most recent location having opened in January at Hailmann Elementary School in the La Porte School Corporation.

 

In total, BGCLPC served approximately 540 children through its 2023/2024 after-school programming year at no cost to participants. Each location offered a weekly schedule designed to promote academic success, character & citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.

 

Stepped-Up STEM, locally developed and funded through a generous grant from the Howmet Aerospace Foundation, introduced club members to science, technology, engineering, and math concepts through a series of hands-on projects and experiments.

 

BGCLPC was also an approved provider for Indiana Learns, a high-dosage tutoring program with a maximum ratio of four club members to one staff member. BGCLPC’s free programs are funded through grants, donations, and special events, officials said.

 

“It has been a fantastic school year at all of our Clubs,” says Michelle Shirk, BGCLPC Chief Executive Officer.

 

“Our team is truly grateful to our club families, team members, partners, and supporters for helping us make our vision of expanded programming a reality,” she said.

 

Shirk said the club is now gearing up to serve more than 400 children through free summer camps in Michigan City and La Porte.

 

Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County is a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, a nationwide affiliation of more than 5,000 autonomous club organizations. For more information about BGCLPC and its programming, please visit www.bgclpc.org.