Boys and Girls Club of Benton County

Goal: $15,000 to Upgrade Our Tech Center with ten 14th-Generation Computers

Our Mission & Impact: For over 33 years, Boys & Girls Club of Benton County (BGCBC) has been a cornerstone of youth development in our community. Today, we serve over 700 kids daily across 19 locations, providing high-quality programs focused on three core pillars: Academic Success, Character & Leadership Development, and Healthy Habits.

We support our kids year-round, offering engaging afterschool and summer programs that equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our outcomes:

✅ 100% of our Club kids graduate from high school

✅ 96% are at or above grade level

✅ Nearly 3,000 youth were served in 2024 alone

✅ 112,000+ nutritious meals and snacks were provided to combat food insecurity

BGCBC remains a safe, supportive, and empowering space where kids can thrive.

The Need: Closing the STEM Opportunity Gap

As our community continues to recover from the educational disruptions caused by the pandemic, STEM education has become more critical than ever. Local educators and industry leaders have identified a decline in STEM-related academic performance among students, which is particularly concerning in Northwest Arkansas (NWA).

NWA ranks second in the nation for demand for tech jobs, largely due to Walmart’s home office and its vast network of technology-driven careers. However, there is a growing gap between the demand for STEM professionals and the number of local youth prepared to fill these roles.

Our Solution: A Cutting-Edge Tech Center

BGCBC is committed to bridging this opportunity gap by providing a space where kids can learn, engage, and get excited about STEM. Currently, our Tech Center is functional but outdated, equipped with old HP desktops that stifle creativity and engagement.

To transform our Tech Center into an inspiring, modern learning environment, we aim to upgrade our technology with:

🖥️ 10 Beelink Ryzen 5 computers

📺 20” VESTA monitors

💾 14th-generation processors

This upgrade will allow us to enhance and expand STEM programs, including:

🤖 Robotics

🎨 3D Printing

🛠️ Glowforge Laser Cutting

💻 Coding & Internet Safety

💰 Financial Literacy & Data Science

With these improvements, we expect to engage 130+ kids in STEM learning and foster partnerships with local engineering and architecture firms to provide mentoring and career exploration opportunities.

Why Your Support Matters:

By investing in this Tech Center transformation, you are helping to equip the next generation of innovators with the tools and resources needed to succeed in STEM fields. Your support will directly impact local youth by:

✔️ Providing access to cutting-edge technology

✔️ Creating a dynamic and engaging STEM learning environment

✔️ Offering real-world exposure through mentorship and industry partnerships

✔️ Ensuring that all kids—regardless of background—have the opportunity to explore STEM careers

Together, we can bridge the STEM opportunity gap and prepare today’s youth for tomorrow’s workforce. Will you join us in making this vision a reality?

💙 Donate today to help us raise $15,000 and transform our Tech Center!