Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs Celebrates Opening of The Woodlands Teen Impact Center

WHAT: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs (BGCNWS) invites the public to the Grand Opening of the new Woodlands Teen Impact Center at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10 at 770 Navajo Drive in Carpentersville.

The 40,000-square-foot Woodlands Teen Impact Center is a $13.2 million investment designed to prepare underserved youth from Carpentersville and Barrington (Districts 220 and 300) for success in college, careers and the skilled trades through hands-on after-school, summer and daytime learning opportunities, workforce development programs and individualized support. The center has the capacity to serve approximately 550 middle and high school students from these communities.

Staff, local officials, community leaders, members, donors, and board members will participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the new facility and the partnerships that made the project possible.

WHY: The Woodlands Teen Impact Center provides students with hands-on learning experiences that build academic success, career readiness and leadership skills. Key programs include:

·Robotics and engineering programs that develop technical and problem-solving skills

·Culinary training with professional mentorship and ServSafe certification opportunities

·Skilled trades pathways featuring hands-on training and OSHA safety certifications

·The Belong Program, which fosters connection, community and emotional support for students and families

·E-Sports program which teaches members many transferable skills including strategic thinking, problem-solving, time management and sportsmanship

The center also features a gymnasium, individual and family counseling services provided by Barrington Youth and Family Services, and partnerships with local organizations, including Giving Closet in partnership with Barrington Giving Day, Food for Greater Elgin, and Northern Illinois Food Bank. Together, these partnerships provide guest speakers, food assistance, facility tours, internships, and summer employment opportunities.

WHEN: 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10

WHERE: 770 Navajo Drive, Carpentersville, IL 60110

ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE NORTHWEST SUBURBS:
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs (BGCNWS) is a distinguished nonprofit organization in Illinois dedicated to improving the lives of children and young adults. With a strong commitment to nurturing the potential of every child, BGCNWS offers a comprehensive range of programs and services that support the educational, social, and physical development of more than 1,800 Club members annually.BGCNWS’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible members of our communities.

Operating in 15 community schools within Districts 300, 220, and 15 sites along with a high school and new Woodlands Teen Impact Center, BGCNWS provides after-school programming, summer programs, and athletic leagues to youth in Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Palatine, Carpentersville, Dundee, and Barrington. Members benefit from a variety of activities, including homework help, tutoring, nutritious meals, and enrichment programs in education and career development, character and leadership, health and life skills, sports, fitness and recreation, and the arts.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, BGCNWS is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment that inspires children to achieve their full potential.

For more information, visit https://bgcnws.org. ###