After school enrichment program gets new partner

The Aviation Development Council (ADC), in its role as a bridge organization between the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, the region’s aviation industry, and the communities it serves, is proud to announce its partnership with the South Queens Boys & Girls Club (SQBGC) in support of their After School Enrichment Program for the coming 2011-12 school year.
“Part of our mission at ADC is focused on improving the quality of life in the neighborhoods served by the region’s aviation industry and the Port Authority,” said Bill Huisman, ADC executive director. “The South Queens Boys & Girls Club After-School Program has proven to be a valuable youth education and youth development program and a tangible way for the aviation community to assist in meeting ADC’s mission by supporting a community-based initiative that focuses on offering our young people increased educational opportunities in a safe and nurturing after-school environment.”
At the official announcement and check presentation on Tuesday, July 26 were State Senator Joseph Addabbo; Port Authority assistant director of government & community affairs Ralph Tragale; SQBGC executive director Carol Simon; Councilmember Eric Ulrich; and Bill Huisman, ADC executive director.
The SQBGC enrichment program is designed to offer quality instruction, expanded after-school education, and to help the school children of the Richmond Hill area understand the importance of education and literacy. Included in this program is homework assistance, tutoring, math and reading enrichment, in addition to a book club and a technology resource center.
ADC’s support for the SQBGC after school program will include a grant of $5,000 and the projected development of an “aviation mentors” program in which local aviation industry volunteers will act as mentors for some of the program’s students.
“We are so pleased that the Aviation Development Council has decided to support this worthwhile effort to enhance the educational opportunities for the young people of our community and focus our youth on becoming valuable agents for positive change in their own community,” said Simon.