Part of the new Raise the Grade technology centre at Youth HQ in Red Deer. A program run by Boys & Girls Club and largely funded by RBC Future Launch. (rdnewsNOW / Sheldon Spackman)

By Sheldon Spackman

Supporting Local Youth

Boys & Girls Club launches ‘Raise the Grade’ program with new technology centre

Sep 30, 2020 | 2:25 PM

Boys & Girls Club of Red Deer & District is continuing its focus on providing young people the opportunities to develop their potential and achieve their dreams.

On Tuesday, the organization announced its newest initiative based out of its Youth HQ facility.

Raise the Grade, is described as an educational program of Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and supported by RBC Future Launch – helping youth discover their interests, shape their career goals, and plan for the future.

Youth aged 14-18 will receive virtual and in-person mentoring through interactive after-school programming that allows young people to explore their personal interests, receive homework support, connect with mentors and/or tutors, interact with peers, increase their digital literacy, and plan for post-secondary education.

Officials say this multi-faceted education program aims to increase academic skills, high school graduation rates, and access to post-secondary education for youth.

Dec. 10

RDP holds pinning ceremony for graduating nursing students

10h ago

get in the car!

Maps for 2025 Red Deer Christmas Lights tour

13h ago

predictable taxation

Chamber calls Red Deer County's draft budget 'disciplined'

13h ago

Program Coordinator Craig Torry, says Raise the Grade will help local high school students struggling with their academics in some capacity.

“It’s to get them to increase their grade but also to support them socially and emotionally,” he explains. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all program. It is a program that is designed to set some goals with the kids and get them coming consistently and then provide mentorship and support for each youth that comes through.”

Torry notes the program should result in many long-term benefits for students.

“A big part of what we do is positive relationship building and providing that safe space,” he remarks. “We have tonnes of good staff to work with the kids and to build those relationships. But long-term, our goal is for them to be confident and to be able to achieve what they want to achieve in their life.”

Torry anticipates the program to initially serve about 15 kids per day during COVID-19 restrictions. However, he foresees the ability to serve much more once current health protocols allow.

Raise the Grade will launch at Youth HQ in Red Deer starting Oct. 5, running Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. in-person and virtually on Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The Raise the Grade program has committed to supporting at least 25 youth this school year.