Koch Industries donation benefits Boys and Girls Club academic programs

Because of a $75,000 donation from Koch Industries, the Boys and Girls Club of South Central Kansas will vigorously teach math, science and a few other subjects through the rest of this year.

They’ll also learn how to have fun with a purpose, club leader Juston White said.

“Koch Industries is pleased to partner with the Boys and Girls Club as they work to help the young people in our community who most need their support,” Koch Community Affairs Director Laura Hands said in a statement announcing the goal Friday. “We celebrate with all of the students here today as they are recognized for their achievements.”

The club provides after-school programs for children in grades K-12 in a safe environment, said White, the club’s chief professional officer. The club is open from 2:30 to 6 p.m., and does far more than give children a place to go.

There is a strong emphasis on teaching not only STEM courses (science, technology, engineering, math) but life and social skills, job application skills and more.

“We try to do all this with an emphasis on fun and with an encouraging atmosphere,” White said. “We try to emphasize academic acceleration, and fun with a purpose.”

Other goals, he said: engaging families and community members as the club actively supports healthy lifestyles; character development; and academic achievement for kids.

The club serves 750 children, he said.

This story was originally published January 30, 2015 at 5:21 PM with the headline "Koch Industries donation benefits Boys and Girls Club academic programs."