While Ponoka’s Rogers Raising the Grade program has been up and running for a month, the Boys and Girls Club of Ponoka hosted an official launch party for mentors, parents, students and staff on Friday, Oct. 24.
The program gives students access to career information and provides out of school support to improve grades.
A success out of the gates, executive director Beth Reitz says the hope was for 15 registered students in the first month and there are 22. With only four mentors and the wish for one per student, that is where the program needs additional support.
Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Rod Fox was also in attendance. “This will be a great addition to this community. I want to say thank you to the students and say I’m proud of you for stepping forward and realizing this opportunity.”
Canada-wide program co-ordinator Nivedita Lane says every time she attends a launch party for the program, she sees its benefits. “We’re really creating a program that’s changing lives.”
The program focuses on two streams; academic support and life-after-school skills. The program equips the Boys and Girls Clubs with computer labs and software ranging from building websites to coding, interviewing and resume writing. Lane feels it is important for the program to teach students how to flourish in the predominantly digital age.
Since starting the program, Alyssa Sinnott and her teachers have seen improvements in her schoolwork. “I’m starting to get my homework done and get 100 per cent on it,” she said.
“I find Rogers will help a lot of kids’ dreams and expectations. You certainly get a lot of opportunities with this program,” she added.
Fellow student Isaiah Bott also loves the support the program offers. “I joined the program for help in physics and math. You feel very at home in this environment.”