Boys and Girls Club, Sylvan team up for scholarship

In December, the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin began a partnership with Sylvan Learning Centers in South Elgin to provide a scholarship to young person valued at $1,952 to utilize the services of the center.

Working with club staff, a member was chosen who could take advantage of receiving either math or reading skills enhancement. This young person was selected on various criteria, including current grades, areas of difficulty and parent or guardian support.

The club selected 10-year-old Mariah Bogan, who has been a member for many years and was identified as someone who could truly benefit from this extra push.

"We worked with Sylvan staff to target a young person who could really take their academics to the next level with the help of the program," said Keavy Dixson, Boys and Girls Club of Elgin area director.

The Boys and Girls Club of Elgin offers programs to young people in kindergarten to 12th grade within five core areas, one of which is education and career development.

This core area specifically addresses providing members with the assistance and tools to not only succeed in school, but to develop career goals. These services have proven more than crucial as the club bridges the gap between the academic school day and home in regards to learning and academic assistance.

Sylvan provides the quality and breadth of tutoring services to inspire confidence in all students in pre-K through 12th grade. Sylvan's instructors help children succeed in math, writing and reading, and provide homework help and guidance with study skills, including state test preparation and SAT/ACT test preparation.

"Both organizations have similar values, including helping young people succeed. It was a natural fit," said Janet Schneider, Sylvan Learning Center executive director.

For details, call (800) 31-SUCCESS or visit tutoring.sylvanlearning.com.

It is the mission of the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

The Boys and Girls Club of Elgin opened its doors to 100 youth Nov. 9, 1993, to provide alternative prevention programs for the area's at-risk youth.