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BGCNW Receives $22,000 from United Way's SmartStart Program

Mt. Kisco, NY (January 20, 2011) – United Way's SmartStart program granted the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester $22,000 and a 3-year commitment of academic support. The program is designed to encourage at-risk children to stick with their academic studies, and focuses on children from kindergarten through fourth grade.

United Way and the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester hope to tackle barriers that prevent these children from joining their classmates in academic achievement. Safeguarding a child during these first impressionable years in school can mean the difference between a youth going on to college or dropping out before graduation.

In Mount Kisco, SmartStart's focus is on making sure that kids K-4th grade stay on track with their studies – this includes helping their families to be supportive. Mount Kisco has a diverse population, including 45% Hispanic Americans. A child can be easily derailed by difficulties with studies, whether from language or cultural barriers, or a lack of support or involvement at home. SmartStart offers children after-school bilingual tutoring, academic support, homework help, reading and discussion groups, and ESL supports. In addition, tech programs, music, web, movie and art classes enrich their engagement and keep the children excited about learning. Parents are also provided with learning opportunities under SmartStart's program that includes management, computer skills and ESL support.

United Way's SmartStart program enlists the partnerships of five organizations:

• Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester
• Student Advocacy
• Nepperhan Community Center
• Urban League of Westchester
• Westchester Jewish Community Services

The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester is located at 351 Main Street, Mt. Kisco, NY and can be reached at (914) 666-8069 or by visiting clicking through our website. To contact the Club's Teen Center, located at 317 Main Street in Mt. Kisco, please call (914) 733-0033.

About the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester

The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester was established in 1939 as a place for "boys to get off the streets". It is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and enabling young people, especially those who need it most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. 

Located in Mt. Kisco, NY, the 36,000-square-foot facility features an eight-lane pool, Child Care Center, gymnasium, games room, and two computer labs, and an additional 1,600-foot Teen Center facility. The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester serves 2,500 youths, boys and girls ages 6 months to 18 years, from more than 60 Northern Westchester communities. The Club has been ranked among the outstanding Clubs in the national network of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Press Contact: Kat McKee, Co-Communications, (914) 666-0066, kat@cocommunications.com

Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester
351 Main Street, Mt. Kisco, New York 10549 (914) 666-8069