The new Center of Hope at Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga will open on Tuesday at 4 p.m. The grand opening celebration of the renovated learning space, made possible by a $45,000 grant from the Panda Cares Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Panda Express, will boast a check presentation and ribbon cutting ceremony. The event will feature food, a surprise book giveaway for youth, Club tours and a variety of activities.
With thanks to the proceeds of the grant and in-kind donations, the newly remodeled teen lounge boasts a modern computer lab, freshly painted walls, new carpet, as well as the addition of three large screen TVs for teaching monitors and work stations for 20 computers. Also, the library was upgraded to include eight tables, 48 chairs, bookshelves, five-computer workstations, two large screen TVS as teaching monitors and fresh carpet and paint. Lastly, the library now has a reading nook for 12 readers.
The Panda Cares Center of Hope space is specially designed within Highland Park Unit to provide a safe and nurturing environment for youth to excel academically. The center will encourage Club members to dream big, express themselves and pursue their educational passions, said officials. By implementing Project Learn, an evidence-based educational strategy, the Center of Hope will support youth-centered learning, character building, academic success and college readiness through activities like homework help and tutoring and high-yield learning activities.
More than 230 local youth and staff excited to explore their new Center of Hope will attend. Panda Express employee volunteers and the Panda Express mascot will serve meals, pass out donated books and swag, and lead youth in interactive moments.
Data from Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2023 National Youth Outcomes Initiative survey shows 77 percent of Club members have a high enjoyment of learning and that Club members who highly enjoy learning are more likely to be on track to graduate on time. The Center of Hope, an academic success resource, is a dedicated space within Clubs designed to deliver more joy and academic impact to the local community.