Author Angie Stumpo

Jaycole Glenn, 16, never thought he’d be driving now. Driver’s training can cost upwards of $600 to complete, and he couldn’t get a permit without it.

“I thought I was going to get it when I turned 18, or when I was older,” said Jaycole. “But now I’ve passed segment one of training and can start practicing and getting ready for segment two. I just got my first job so I can start saving up to buy a car.”

Jaycole is one of six graduates of the new Drive for Success program, started by the community policing officers stationed at the Clubs, Derrick Learned, Ray Erickson and Javo’n Sanders. They saw many teens and young staff members without a permit or license, and wanted to do something to help.

They partnered with Century Driving School to provide quality drivers training to eligible Club members at no cost. The program also includes mentoring, hands-on training, test preparation, instruction on police procedure, and life skills development. The officers hope the program will help decrease the number of motor vehicle incidents involving young drivers and license-related violations.

Demand for the program grew exponentially and there are more than 70 young people interested in attending. The next session is slated to begin in October, and we need your help to enroll up to 20 students. If you would like to donate to Drive for Success, please visit www.bgcgrandrapids.org/driveforsuccess.

Congratulations to Officer Derrick Learned for being named a finalist for the International Association Chiefs of Police Officer of the Year award for his role in creating Drive for Success! Only four people in law enforcement around the world are selected as finalists.

For many students, the virtual learning environment has been challenging. For others, it’s been nearly impossible.

Students like Ebony, 7, struggle with online classes. She has been attending our Learning Assistance program and is staying on track, but it’s still tough.

“Ebony is very bright and does really well with in-person school,” said her mom, Mariah. “But she has a really hard time with the online learning. I work fulltime and it was so difficult to help her keep up in the spring.”

Thanks to all of the wonderful support from caring donors like you, Ebony has a place to go for the assistance and guidance she needs. With dedicated staff and a structured environment, she is able to attend classes online but also benefit from daily personal help.

“I am so thankful the Boys & Girls Club is offering this option,” Mariah said. “I don’t know what we would do without them.”

Local school officials are equally as grateful for the program. Many educators are at a loss for how to best help students who struggle with online learning. Programs like the Learning Assistance Program help fill in the gaps.

“With the relentless work of our non-profit partners such as the Boys and Girls Club, the learning that continues with those students who attend the Boys and Girls club is absolute gold,” said Rose Charles Maher. “Thank you to the Boys and Girls Club for your unwavering commitment to our families on the West Side.”

Now more than ever, your support is helping our kids navigate these unprecedented times. During this season of thanks, we are forever grateful for our caring community ensuring all of our kids have access to a bright future.