There’s no place like the Club. From academics to the arts, from volunteerism to career exploration, Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County (BGCLPC) provides local children with opportunities to discover their skills, passions and potential at eight different locations around La Porte County.

This week, BGCLPC celebrates the end its first full school year of operating 8 Clubs across Michigan City, La Porte, Westville and Kingsford Heights. It’s newest Club – previously known as the Brighton Street Club – moved to its current home at Hailmann Elementary School in January, and already has more than 50 registered Club members. In total, BGCLPC served approximately 540 children through its 2023/2024 afterschool programming, at no cost to participants.

Each location offered a diverse weekly schedule designed to promote Academic Success, Character & Citizenship and Healthy Lifestyles. Stepped-Up STEM, locally developed and funded through a generous grant from Howmet Aerospace Foundation, introduced Club members to science, technology, engineering and math concepts through a series of messy, hands-on projects and experiments. BGCLPC was also an approved provider for Indiana Learns, a high dosage tutoring program with a maximum ratio of four Club members to one staff member.

BGCLPC’s free programs are funded through grants, donations and special events. The organization’s Phase 3 programming expansion has been made possible thanks in part to support from the Health Foundation of La Porte. From now through June 20, a generous supporter has agreed to match all Annual Campaign contributions up to $5,000. Donations can be made at www.bgclpc.org/give/ or by mail to 321 Detroit Street, Michigan City, Indiana 46350.

“It has been a fantastic school year at all of our Clubs,” says Michelle Shirk, BGCLPC Chief Executive Officer. “Our team is truly grateful to our Club families, team members, partners and supporters for helping us make our vision of expanded programming a reality. We would greatly appreciate your continued support as we gear up to serve more than 400 children through our free summer camps in Michigan City and La Porte. Thank you for helping us make a difference!” 

Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County is a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, a nationwide affiliation of more than 5,000 autonomous Club organizations. For more information about BGCLPC and its programming, please visit www.bgclpc.org.