Educational Services
Madison Square Boys & Girls Club's education initiative - Self-Improvement Through Education (SITE) - serves every member who walks through our Clubhouse doors. SITE offers a comprehensive range of programs designed to challenge and motivate students, enhance academic performance, foster positive study habits and instill the self-discipline that leads to academic achievement. Specialized programs under the SITE umbrella include:
The Explorers Academy
In fall 2006, Madison launched the Explorers Academy, targeting our largest, youngest, and most impressionable population. The program serves all members between the ages of six and nine for four hours each day after school. Members attend Homework Help daily, and weekly activities follow a theme-based educational curriculum that includes social, cultural, and recreational programming intertwined with high-yield learning activities. Programming is designed to instill children with a life-long interest in learning.
The Juniors Academy
In February 2008, Madison launched The Juniors Academy for youth ages ten to twelve in order to continue the effective, inter-disciplinary approach modeled on the Explorers Academy. The Juniors are given the freedom to choose activities from a structured framework of program opportunities in education, the arts, social recreation and fitness that are designed specifically for this age group. Both Explorers and Juniors Academies provide opportunities for cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. The launch of these programs underscores Madison's ambitious goal of organizational alignment of programs.
Power Hour
Held during the first hour of every day, this Clubhouse-wide mandatory program focuses on homework help and raising academic proficiency. Power Hour also helps young people develop valuable skills, like time management, and allows them to enter the classroom better prepared and with more confidence. For those youth without homework assignments, grade-appropriate academic enrichment activities are provided.
Technology
Helping to bridge the digital divide, each Clubhouse features a technology center equipped with up-to-date computers, printers, high-speed internet access, and educational and business-standard software. Participating youth receive scheduled instruction, conduct Internet research, and utilize valuable online educational learning tools. Madison is very thankful to receive generous support from technology partners, Vivendi and Microsoft.
Educational Enrichment
Members are offered a diverse array of project-based enrichment opportunities. They include high-yield learning activities, educational special events, and academic clubs like math, science, and aeronautics - all designed to foster hands-on learning.
Project Graduate
Madison’s college preparatory program provides our youth the guidance needed to complete high school and successfully pursue a college education. The program includes workshops on everything from the high school selection process to financial aid, as well as college tours, mentoring, SAT preparation, and a weekend retreat designed to simulate a true college experience.