SPRINGFIELD-The Springfield Boys & Girls Club is proud to announce the opening of their newly renovated technology lab. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Monday, Sept. 14, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. The renovation was made possible due to the support of Babson Capital Management, Lowe’s and Rent-A-Center. The new and improved lab will allow the Springfield Boys & Girls Club to provide quality technology programs to their members, enabling them to build digital skills, access technology resources, expand creativity, perform better in school, and eventually take their technology know-how into the workplace.
Babson Capital Management generously awarded the Springfield Boys & Girls Club with a $25,000 grant in support of the renovation project. The funds allowed the purchase of lab equipment and will offset the cost of professional development and program implementation expenses. Babson Capital Management has supported the Springfield Boys & Girls Club’s technology programs since 2012, and are an integral factor in providing members with the most up-to-date technology programs and resources.
The renovation would not be possible without the support of Lowe’s. The company donated supplies, new carpets, ceiling tiles, and paint. Lowe’s employees ensured the timely completion of the project by donating their time and labor by installing the ceiling tiles and carpet. Since 2009, Lowe’s has contributed $5 million in grants to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and its Clubs nationwide, as well as thousands of volunteer hours to fund improvements at more than 100 Clubs. In 2014, Lowe’s awarded the Springfield Boys & Girls Club with a $50,000 grant to fund a variety of upgrades at the Club, including asbestos remediation, installation of a new sport court, backboards, remodeling of program performance stage, and repainting of both gymnasiums.
Rent-A-Center has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America since 2005, furnishing “RAC” Rooms that were outfitted with flat screen TVs, video-game systems and furniture to provide kids with a fun and safe environment in which to relax. Recently, Rent-A-Center has realigned its focus to better support digital literacy programs. The company now provides computers and funding to select Boys & Girls Clubs for the purpose of bridging the technology gap in undeserved communities. Rent-A-Center generously donated 10 new computers in support of the project.
About the Springfield Boys & Girls Club
The Springfield Boys & Girls Club provides, in a safe environment, programs that inspire, educate, guide, enable and support all young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, respectful citizens and leaders. The Club provides a safe place to learn and grow, ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals, life-enhancing programs, character development experiences, and hope and opportunity.
For more information about the Springfield Boys & Girls Club, call (413) 732-7201.