Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary has announced the recipient of its 2024 Community Grant: The Teen Experience Improvement Project by the Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem. This initiative will address critical gaps in resources for local teens, focusing on technology access, life skills development and food security.

The Boys & Girls Club’s application highlighted pressing needs in the community, as identified through feedback from teens, staff, families and local schools. With 79 percent of club members qualifying for free or reduced-price lunches, food insecurity remains a top concern. The project will directly address these challenges by providing:

• Technology Access: Funding for iPads, Apple Pencils, and a desktop computer to support digital learning and creative exploration.

• Life & Career Skills: Expanding proven programs like Career Launch and Money Matters to empower teens with essential knowledge for their futures.

• Food Security: Ensuring regular meals and snacks for club members to meet basic needs.

The Teen Experience Improvement Project builds on the success of existing initiatives while filling critical gaps in resources, ensuring teens have the tools and support they need to thrive.

“This project reflects our club’s commitment to improving education, economic development, and community well-being,” said Rodney Conn, president of Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary. “The Boys & Girls Club’s comprehensive proposal demonstrated a clear understanding of the challenges faced by local teens and a thoughtful plan to address them.”

Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary awards this annual grant to a local organization that aligns with Rotary International’s focus areas. This year’s emphasis on education and economic/community development guided the selection of the Teen Experience Improvement Project.

Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary congratulates the Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem and thanks all applicants for their dedication to serving the community.

Contributed article