AT&T Awards $10,000 to Wakeman Boys & Girls Club

BRIDGEPORT, CT – Wakeman Boys & Girls Club has been awarded a $10,000 contribution from the AT&T Foundation to support the Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse Out of School Program in the West End of Bridgeport.

“We appreciate the tremendous support from AT&T and are grateful for the introduction to the Foundation by Steve Stafstrom (D – Bridgeport). Our Program Staff have truly made a difference in the lives of children who need us most and our partners like AT&T and individuals in the community like Steve provide us with the means to accomplish our goals.” Sabrina Smeltz, Wakeman Boys & Girls Club’s CEO

The Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse Out of School Program serves at-risk children with a safe, supportive environment to take part in academic, fitness, leadership, and enrichment activities that support on-time grade progression, successful completion of middle school, graduation from high school, and a plan for higher education and a career.

"Wakeman Boys & Girls Club's programming is helping to transform lives of many adolescents in our community. The Out of School Program has helped set students up for success and this award from AT&T will ensure even more students can access that opportunity to thrive," said State Representative Steve Stafstrom (D – Bridgeport). "I appreciate A&T's investment in our community and am proud to have helped bring these two great organizations together."

The Out of School Program provides critical support to ensure members are completing homework and prepared for school the next day, while taking part in fitness and healthy eating activities, and building their confidence and self-esteem to become leaders in their schools and their communities.

The program also provides help with remote school requirements. The Boys & Girls Club provides good internet connectivity where kids, who otherwise have difficulty participating in remote learning due to poor connectivity, can go to complete schoolwork.

“Every student deserves an opportunity to make their dreams a reality. At AT&T, we are proud to support initiatives like the Out of School Program that are helping to do just that. Wakeman Boys & Girls Club is increasing access to in-person and remote learning, all while providing a safe, healthy and fun environment for kids to grow and develop into the leaders of tomorrow,” said John Emra, President, AT&T New England.

###

About Wakeman Boys & Girls Club

Since 1913, Wakeman Boys & Girls Club has provided a safe place for youth and teens after school, evenings and weekends. Focused on Academics, Character & Leadership Development, and Healthy Lifestyles with nationally acclaimed programming, the Club continues its mission "to guide and inspire young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens." Led by professional staff and volunteers, the organization serves 3,300 youth annually through its Southport Clubhouse, Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse in Bridgeport, and Outreach at McKinley and Holland Hill Schools in Fairfield.

For more information about Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, visit www.wakemanclub.org