Aviation-mentors program for SQBGC

Organizers of the South Queens Boys & Girls Club (SQBGC) hope that their after-school program will really take off now that the aviation officials have gotten involved.
On Thursday, July 19, Bill Huisman, Director of the Aviation Development Council (ADC), presented the Boys & Girls Club in Richmond Hill with a check for $7,500 and pledged to create an “aviation-mentors” program to add to the existing activities.
Already, the SQBGC holds an after-school program, including homework help, tutoring, math and reading enrichment, a book club, and a technology resource center, for kids at M.S. 137 in Ozone Park and P.S. 124 in South Ozone Park.
“Part of our mission at the ADC is focused on improving the quality of life in the neighborhoods served by the region’s aviation industry,” Huisman said, adding that the not-for-profit group got involved with the club so as to support “a community initiative that concentrates on offering our young people increased educational opportunities in a safe and nurturing after-school environment.”
The funds will be put towards the after-school program, and the ADC plans to encourage aviation industry members to visit the SQBGC, volunteer their time and mentor south Queens kids.
“We are so pleased that the [ADC] has decided to support this worthwhile effort to enhance the educational opportunities for the young people of our community,” said Carol Simon, the Executive Director of the SQBGC.