New Iberia, LA – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana is expanding to the West End Park of Iberia Parish to provide youth development services to those who do not have access to our current New Iberia location. CLECO recently partnered with BGCA to provide a new space for youth to explore and have access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) activities and resources.
CLECO recently donated $25,000 in support of a new STEM Lab to provide Samsung Chromebooks, Virtual Reality Oculus, STEM Kits, Smart TVs, a Smartboard, and availability for staff to have proper training on all resources provided. These funds will allow to close the digital divide, allow access to Club Members access to the world of STEM, and create excitement and interest in a workforce that is thriving.
CLECO is proud to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana and make an impact on the youth who need us most. "CLECO is honored to support the Boys & Girls Club of Acadiana in their efforts to provide their New Iberia location access to STEM activities and resources," said Tommy Hebert, Manager of Governmental Affairs at CLECO. "The new lab will create an educational space for students to practice science, math and engineering skills, all important skills to today's workforce."
Rhyan Wheeler, CEO & President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana, sees the importance of STEM in the youth community and expresses how CLECO will provide these opportunities to the incoming members of the future club. “Thanks to the generous investment that CLECO has made to the West End Boys & Girls Club, our youth will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of STEM activities using state of the art technology. Our goal with the CLECO STEM Lab is to pique Club members interest in STEM by way of fun and interactive programming, creating a path to STEM related jobs by inviting industry leaders into our Club, and most importantly, working with our youth to build a plan for the future that will having a lasting impact on them and our community.”
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana
This year marks the 53rd anniversary of Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana. Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana operates under a mission to empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Serving youth in 7 different locations, Boys & Girls Clubs provide opportunities through after school programs and summer camps with activities focusing on Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles & Habits, and Good Character & Leadership. An 8th location in New Iberia’s West End will open in 2023.
If interested in supporting the Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcacadiana.com/donate or call 337-268-9555.