Santa Barbara’s Downtown Club for Boys & Girls Seeks Community Help for Upgraded Computers
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - The Downtown Club for Boys & Girls is looking for community donations to upgrade computers to help with academic support and after school programs in Santa Barbara.
Many of the kids are also in the club on Canon Perdido Street regularly during the summer break to improve their learning and modern computer skills.
The club's staff says the aging computer system needs improvements and replacements to keep the kids up to speed with other advancements young people have in areas schools.
Members use the Downtown Club’s computers for homework, school projects, college preparation, job applications, and digital learning opportunities. They are also using the computers when they build small robots.
Mark Alvarado, Executive Director of the Downtown Club says they serve more than "200 local youth annually and provides a safe, supportive environment focused on education, emotional well-being, and personal growth."
Some of the computers in the club have broken screens and have a very slow start up and the kids need faster more efficient systems. "We fill a gap on the tech side. Because kids love tech and they love to learn with tech and right now. We are using equipment that is well over 15 years old and we need an upgrade."
Alvarado says it is vital to keep the kids on track. "We live in a world of technology we live in a world today where if kids don't have these skill sets they don't have a competitive edge to be successful in life," said Alvarado.
Community members can help support the computer lab initiative by making a donation online.
He says some of the club kids excel on the computers and it is also where they make new friends and connections. "This is the space for those kids that are wired that way to really building their confidence and build their identity around being successful around this work."
The computer room is part of an all encompassing set of programs at the club including art, music, fitness and nutrition and field sports.
Kids come in from nearby elementary, junior high and high schools for a safe environment and a place to succeed.
Alvarado says, "if the community would get behind this a little bit, it is something to support and it definitely makes a difference in kids lives and that is what we are all about."
The club has a history dating back to 1938 and has launched many children into accomplished opportunities in college, employment, sports and a solid quality of life.
To support the Downtown Club’s fundraising campaign, visit: www.boysandgirlssb.org/donate
To learn more about the Downtown Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara, visit: www.boysandgirlssb.org
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