Boys Girls Club Receives National Program Award

REDLANDS >> Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside has received Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Merit Award for Program Excellence for its STEM and gardening programs.   The award was presented during Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 111th national conference in Dallas May 12.   “We’re grateful for all the hard work our staff have done offering this program to our kids, and for such an honor from our national organization,” said Club CEO P.T. McEwen.   The gardening program teaches youth how to grow and harvest plants and vegetables to prepare, eat and share. Youth also learn about the plants’ life cycles.   The STEM program covers a topic each month and promotes STEM concepts through fun activities. Topics have included the solar system, engineering, electricity, and sports science.   Merit Awards for Program Excellence are sponsored by MetLife Foundation and presented annually for outstanding programs developed and implemented at Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. Each honoree also receives $2,500.   Every year, hundreds of entries are submitted in the Club’s five core program areas: character and leadership development; education and career development; health and life skills; the arts; and sports, fitness and recreation; as well as in the three overall program areas: Best Overall Program by organizational budget; Best Overall Participation and Regular Attendance; and Innovations in Safety. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside has served the Inland Empire since 1967, and has sites in the communities of Alta Loma, Corona, Loma Linda, Mentone, Moreno Valley, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Riverside, San Bernardino and Victorville. Our Clubs serve over 3,000 youth daily in after-school settings, and we offer both winter and summer camps. Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. For more information, visit www.BeGreatIE.org MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to continue MetLife’s longstanding tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Since it was established, MetLife Foundation has provided more than $570 million in grants to nonprofit organizations addressing issues that have a positive impact in their communities. For more information, visit www.metlife.org