The Irvine branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast officially reopened last month following a six-month, $2 million renovation. The opening has been long-awaited by the community, as the facility updated its resources to create a more modernized learning and mentoring environment for Irvine’s youth. The third O.C. club site to be redeveloped, the Irvine Club’s new features are thanks to program-wide “Pursuing Greatness” campaign. 

“This Pursuing Greatness campaign has enabled us to create multiple learning environments for 21st century education and mentorship,” explains Robert Santana, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast. “Thanks to the support of many people and organizations, we have successfully transformed our club sites to accommodate the growing needs of the communities they serve. The positive impact on the youth in our service areas will last for generations to come.”

(Courtesy of Boys & Girls Club of Irvine)

The two-year campaign has allowed the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast to not only increase their capacity to serve more kids and families, but to enhance the local community through expanded student and family programming.

Irvine Club’s new facility is located in the Woodbridge neighborhood, housing state-of-the-art technology which will enable local children to pursue the values of excellence and innovation. Modernized programming includes four S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) labs, a Maker Space containing 3D printers and robotics exploration, and as access to 25 new iPads and more than 60 Google Chromebooks. Interactive floor games as well as a renovated basketball gym and 30-foot rock climbing wall are also available to encourage physical activity as well as mental.

Not only for kids, the Boys & Girls Club of Irvine is also home to the Irvine Packing House Teen Center which supports members through five key areas: character development and leadership; college and career readiness; health and wellness; enrichment; and academic support. The teen center provides local high schoolers with resources such as college preparedness and career exploration, in order to support a successful transition into adulthood. 

Built to accommodate 200 kids and teens, the teen center boasts a culinary center, gaming stations and dedicated homework spaces. The hyperactive learning and mentoring environment will soon expand its services to include after-school transportation from locals schools to the facility. 

The Boys & Girls Club of Irvine has been a member of the Irvine community since the early 1980s, serving children in the 1st through 12th grades. Following the Impact Model, members of the club are guided through a structured daily rotation of academic reinforcement, physical fitness, social recreation and enrichment opportunities. 

The “Pursuing Greatness” campaign is a $7.1 million dollar reinvestment into the clubs and the cities they serve, made possible through the support of generous community leaders.

(Courtesy of Boys & Girls Club of Irvine)

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