The Riverview Boys and Girls Club’s Raising the Grade after-school support program for high school students is at risk of failing if the province doesn’t step in soon to save it.
“The kids here in Riverview are just as deserving of the same opportunities,” said director Lynda Carey.
Earlier this month, the province announced it would invest $250,000 in bridge funding over the next two years to help a similar program run by the Moncton Boys and Girls Club. The decision came after the club contacted the department due to a major private-sector partner withdrawing its support.
READ MORE: Moncton’s Boys & Girls Club seeks provincial help for student program as funds run out
The province also required the Moncton club fundraise the balance for the next two years with a goal of moving back to full private sponsorship afterward.
But Carey said she has yet to hear if her own club will get similar support and says time is running out.
Next week, the program will begin but with only enough budget left from funding provided by Rogers Communications. They expect to only remain running until November, and with 50 youth expected to walk through the doors for support, she says she’ll need to know soon if the program can be saved.
“There is education support, there is career discovery and then there is hobby discovery, and these three pillars are used to help build each child’s blueprint,” Carey said. “What do you want to do with yourself? Let’s help you get through school, and what do you want to do when school is done?”
Students like Alexander Duguay, who is in Grade 11, told Global News the program has been a huge benefit and was what helped him raise his grades.
“I feel like, if here, you have a question, they’ll answer it and it is just easy with the computers and stuff and the friendly environment,” he said. “It just really helps you get your work done.”
Carey said the club is looking for a funding commitment of $50,000 annually over the next two years, and hoping they’ll get an answer before the start of the school year.
“It gives us the ability to continue seamlessly in what we are doing and it also gives us time to really secure a new funding stream that is committed to the program long-term,” she said.
Riverview MLA Bruce Fitch said a decision needs to be made on the matter soon.
“It’s getting close to September and we would like to see that go, so that Lynda and the club can make their plans for the semester,” he said.
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development say it has received the request and is considering it, but has given no timeline of when a decision will be made.