MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Meet Jade
Member Since:
2024
Why Boys & Girls Club?
Jade has two brothers and four sisters. Two of her siblings have been participants in the 21st CCLC program and her parents plan to enroll the other children in the program once they reach third grade.
Achieving & Succeeding:
With academic support from the 21st CCLC staff, Jade has demonstrated significant academic growth. Jade enjoys the i-Readers program and, as a result, her reading scores have notably improved, moving up a level on the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) test. In math, her FAST test scores also advanced a level. Jade has a passion for art and often participates in art-related activities. She is described as kind, helpful, and collaborative with her peers. Jade has become more comfortable interacting with both peers and staff. She participates in the classroom, speaks up, and is more engaged with her peers. Jade’s parents are pleased to see her confidence and social skills continue to grow. Through her participation in the 21st CCLC program, Jade is on a path to continue to make progress both academically and emotionally.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Academics
With guidance from the Youth Development Professionals, Club members explored their “inner engineer” during weekly STEM (Science, Technology, Enginerring & Math) experiences. Using marshmallows and toothpicks, they designed and built creative structures while learning about measurement and construction. Members benefited from hands-on learning as they measured and crafted buildings of various sizes and also took the lead on their own experiments.
Bolch Club continues its collaboration with Immokalee Readers, a program dedicated to helping third grade members succeed in reading literacy and language arts. With guidance from their Immokalee Readers instructor and certified teachers, members have developed a growing interest and excitement for reading through fun, engaging, interactive games and other activities. A similar program is also run at our Nichols Club with volunteers and a certified teacher.
Programs in this core area include: Project Learn, STEM, Homework Help, Power Hour, and Tutoring.
College & Career Readiness
Career exploration opportunities have been enhanced at the Club through the availability of Transfr, a VR (Virual Reality) tool to provide teen members with an engaging way to learn more about career options. Teens begin by taking a career quiz to discover potential career paths that align with their interests and strengths. Once they select a career, they spend 5-10 minutes completing a task within that field utilizing the VR headset, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in a virtual setting. The tool allows them to explore various career clusters and try them out in simulations, experiencing firsthand what it is like to work in a role. This interactive approach helps teens to better understand different professions and gives them tools to make more informed decisions about their future careers. With over 300 simulations available, they have endless opportunities to engage in an immersive, hands-on learning and gain insight into an array of careers and professions.
Programs in this core area include: Academic Mentoring, Career Launch, Diplomas 2 Degrees, and Work-Based Learning.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
- To show support for the community, Bolch Club staff and members chose to participate in the Lipman 5K Run for Backpacks event held in Ave Maria on March 29. The event drew hundreds of runners and walkers of all ages.
- Also on March 29, Healthcare Network hosted free dental screenings for the community in the Bolch Club parking lot. Families – children and adults – received dental screenings and education from dentists and dental hygienists. Participants also learned about Boys & Girls Club, including the upcoming Summer Camps.
EVENTS & DATES
Thursday, October 3, 2025
at Nichols Club
Join us for Lights on Afterschool, a nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. Free event for Club member families and Community Partners.
Saturday, November 1, 2025
at Fiddler’s Creek
Join us for our 22nd Annual FORE-the-Kids Golf Tournament and our famous 19th Hole After Party! Come and enjoy a day on the links FORE the kids! Sponsorships and limited tickets still available! Don’t delay.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
at Grey Oaks Country Club
Join us for the Great Futures Gala, an inspiring evening showcasing the impact of the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County. During our reimagined cocktail hour, members will share personal stories of transformation, leading up to the exciting announcement of our 2026 Youth of the Year. Sponsorships Available.
Thursday, March 5, 2026
at The Club at Mediterra
This women’s social and networking event will bring together outstanding community members for an incredible evening of great food, wine, generosity and connection. Sponsorships Available.
If you are interested in more information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Martha Perez
Events & Corporate Relations Manager
mperez@bgccc.com
239-325-1716
