Teens to Design and Build Their Own Teen Center
June 25, 2015
COLUMBIA, SC – A ground breaking ceremony will take place on June 24, 2015 at 10:30am for a new Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands teen center. Expected attendees include representatives from the offices of Mayor Benjamin, Sheriff Lott, and Chief Holbrook, as well as Councilman Moe Baddourah and Senator Darrell Johnson.
Made possible by a generous donation from local philanthropist Norman Arnold, the teens at the Boys & Girls Club in Rosewood will have the opportunity to design and build their own teen center. Through a partnership with Midlands Technical College and John Bowman Architecture and Design the teens are taking the project from conception to reality. Midlands Tech professor Christy Buchanan and some of her advanced students will guide the teens through the different stages of the architecture process to include creating a 3D design and getting the proper permits. John Bowman will then work with the teens to finalize the plan while introducing them to the various career opportunities in the architecture industry.
“What an amazing opportunity our teens have,” said Carter Clark, President/CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands. “They will be able to make their dreams become a reality while learning about the different careers associated with the construction industry.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs has been operating in Rosewood in partnership with the City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Department for over 20 years. Currently, the teens have had only one small room to themselves. Recently, with more than 50 teens coming regularly to the center, they have outgrown the space. “The teens just love it here,” says Dyrell Clark, Teen Center Director. “They get help with school work, learn about how to get a job and different career opportunities, play sports, access the computer lab and just be teens in a safe environment.”
“This project is one more example of the public-private partnership between The City of Columbia and Boys & Girls Clubs that has been successfully helping thousands of area children, and benefiting the community at no additional cost to tax payers” says Jeff Caton, Director of City of Columbia Parks and Recreation.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands (www.bgcmidlands.org) mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. BGCM currently serves over 6,000 youth, ages 6-18; at 50 locations. The Clubs provide quality programs in character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports fitness and recreation.
