Here, in one of the most impoverished regions of the United States, youth don’t always believe post-secondary studies are an option for them.
But by attending after-school STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) programming at the Boys & Girls Clubs (BCG) of the Mississippi Delta, a teenager from the community discovered he had both an affinity and an aptitude for aviation—and it changed the trajectory of his future.
Inspired by what he was learning, the teen became dialed in to pursuing STEM education, something he had not considered before. He persevered in his studies and earned a seat at a community college, where he is now studying aviation, one step closer to achieving his dream.
David Dallas, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta, highlights this student’s story as an example of the importance of after-school programming, especially for disadvantaged youth.
“When kids experience programming they connect with, it changes the game,” he explains. “They start studying harder, applying themselves a little bit more at school. They get better scores on their college entrance exams, and opportunities open up for them.”
Like BGCs across the United States and Canada, the Mississippi Delta chapter is a not-for-profit that delivers low-cost after-school and summer programming to children and teens.
This chapter consists of a network of nine Clubs in northwest Mississippi where youths aged 6 through 18 engage in structured programs focused on education, character development, health, fitness and creative expression.
The chapter serves nearly 2,000 children a year, Dallas says, noting that more than 95% of participants receive some form of federal assistance. In Yazoo City, a community of fewer than 10,000 residents, there are approximately 100 children registered with the BGC.
“We are dealing with the most disadvantaged children in this area,” he explains. “We want our children to know there are opportunities out there for them.”
