Lake Charles, LA – Phillips 66 invested $35,000 in STEM devices for the Cheniere Energy Boys & Girls Club. This investment is the result of a proud partnership that continues to support the youth in the community. The company’s first donation, made back in 2020, helped establish the new Cheniere Energy Club in Lake Charles. The Boys & Girls Club opened its doors in January 2021 and serves over 100 children ages 6-12 offering After-School and Summer Programming. It was the first expansion by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana into a new community in nearly 20 years. The Club provides a safe, fun, and positive environment for youth focusing on 3 Impact Areas: Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles and Habits, and Good Character and Citizenship.
Through Phillips 66 investment, the Club Members are being exposed to explore careers in engineering, science, and technology with the use of the STEM devices. The Club Members take virtual trips to unknown places with the VR Goggles, create artwork and gifts with the laser printer, fly drones, and utilize the Smart Board from dancing to reading. Members of the Phillips 66 Team visited with the kids to encourage them to explore the fields and opportunities of STEM.
“Phillips 66 has a passion to provide children opportunities to explore STEM concepts. Upgrading the Club’s technology is one way to provide hands-on engagement to inspire the children to pursue a STEM-related career,” says Scot Tyler, Phillips 66 Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex General Manager.
Rhyan Wheeler, CEO and President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana, experienced firsthand what it was like to see the members grow with the new opportunities Phillips 66 has provided, stating, “Because of partners like Phillips 66, the Cheniere Energy Boys & Girls Club is able to provide youth with opportunities to explore, image, and create their own futures. Our goal is to expose our Club Members to a diverse workforce, nurture their interests, and have them leave us with a plan for their future. My hope is that the investment made by Phillips 66 today will return to them in the way of a vibrant workforce in years to come.”
This year marks the 52nd 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 Early 2023.
If interested in supporting the Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcacadiana.com/donate or call 337-268-9555.
