Boys & Girls Clubs broadens youth membership

Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield is adding 5-year-olds to its membership mix.

The nonprofit, which historically has served students 6 and older with before- and after-school programming, will begin accepting the younger age group Aug. 28, according to a news release.

“We worked hard to change this mandate because we believe it is the right thing to do. Every year, before our school year program begins, we hear from families that are desperate for help and care,” BGCS CEO Brandy Harris said in the release. “We are so excited to serve 5-year-olds in kindergarten now and truly hope it alleviates pressure on our community while simultaneously providing a safe, engaging, positive place for kids who need us."

New member enrollment starts July 18. While the fee is $95 for the academic year, the majority of members who qualify for free and reduced-price lunches can attend the program at no cost in partnership with Springfield Public Schools, said Didem Koroglu, director of development for BGCS.

Koroglu said the nonprofit has the capacity to serve an additional 100 club members by opening the program up to 5-year-olds.

BGCS, which serves more than 13,000 local youth each year through its programming, last month announced the expansion of its services to the Marshfield R-I School District.