This post was sponsored by the Boys & Girls Club of America as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central

Encouragement and ongoing learning sets kids up for success in their future.

As parents we want our kids to have every opportunity to grow and learn in a fun, engaging environment. During summer months we may get concerned that kids will fall behind, forget much of what they learned during the school year. You most likely still have to work and can’t provide stimulating activities for your children much of the time, so besides fun summer camps that offer play and friends, where can you send your child that is affordable, educational, and fun?

For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs have been leaders in out-of-school programming, and research has shown that out-of-school programs advance science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) knowledge, and increase interest in these careers

The Boys & Girls Club of America introduces the My.Future program.

The My.Future program, supported by Comcast NBC Universal, is designed to teach Club members the skills needed to thrive in today’s digital world. The program sparks kids and teens interests in STEM by encouraging them to explore topics that already interest them such as robotics, game design, programming, and more. It gives kids a chance to discover and develop passions in science, technology, engineering, and math (“STEM”).

STEM jobs in the U.S. are expected to grow nearly twice as fast as other fields by 2018 and kids and teens need these skills to compete in a global economy

As a homeschool parent I have learned the importance of giving kids time to play.

All kids need time to delve into things that interest them on their own time. They need freedom to create and tools to explore those interests. The My.Future program is wonderful in that it gives kids the freedom to do just that; explore their own interests in a fun environment, with friends. It allows kids to play and have fun with science and math, without drills and test. This type of learning is so much more meaningful. It stays with your child much more that any worksheet or textbook reading ever could. It engages your child in a way that will have them begging for more! And growing a desire to push and test their own ideas and capabilities.

My.Future will evolve into a virtual community, enabling collaboration between Club members throughout the country and around the world, virtual mentorship opportunities, and competency-based assessments. This program is giving low income children the tools and confidence to build skills they will need in today’s digital workplace. Check out your local Boys & Girls Club today.

For more details on the My.Future program, go to: greatfutures.org

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