Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County’s Club Members Give Back Globally with Solar Suitcases

MONTEREY, Calif. - June 27, 2014 - PRLog -- Youth from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC), in partnership with WE CARE Solar, assembled five solar suitcases to be shipped to various schools and orphanages in Africa that lack efficient power sources.

Led by Alan Jensen of We Share Solar, an educational outreach of WE CARE Solar, BGCMC Club members are giving back globally by building portable solar power units. Through this partnership, Club members are helping children in different parts of the world while acquiring knowledge in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM). On a global level, STEAM is lagging behind in American school systems. Fortunately, this program gives Club members a hands-on opportunity to excel in STEAM.

On June 27, Club members constructed five solar suitcases to be sent to schools and orphanages in Africa. One will be sent to a school in Senegal, three solar suitcases will be delivered to orphanages in Uganda, and one will remain at the Seaside Clubhouse for future STEAM projects.

Club members were thrilled to have this fun, exciting opportunity to learn about the various applications of STEAM and furthermore, to become citizens of the world! As expressed by Club member Kylie J., age 11, “We’re saving lives by building something mechanical!”

The project also aligns with the Clubs’ commitment to academic success, good character and leadership.  Currently, BGCMC is in the middle of its eight-week Summer Program which serves over 800 children a day .  Donations to underwrite the summer program are currently being solicited.  Visit www.bgcmc.org/summer to learn more.


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         About Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC) has played an integral role in the community for over 45 years.  BGCMC provides a safe haven for over 800 children and teens a day, offering programs that focus on Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, Good Character & Leadership. BGCMC operates Clubhouses in Seaside and Salinas, extension sites at El Sausal and La Paz Middle Schools, and a site at the CHISPA Sea Garden Community in Castroville.  Nearly 90% of the total budget comes from generous individuals, corporations and foundations. The Clubs are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. during summer and school breaks, and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. when school is in session.  Additional information is available at www.bgcmc.org or via phone at 831-394-5171.