The JCPenney Afterschool Fund and Boys & Girls Clubs of America are helping students achieve realistic, educational and career goals. Two organizations have teamed-up to make possible Goals for Graduation, an academic goal-setting initiative, that encourages students to set achievable goals for their studies, and perhaps more importantly, for their futures.

 Boys & Girls Clubs of Citrus County has received a $1,000 grant to implement Goals for Graduation in 2005. This year alone, the JCPenney Afterschool Fund will provide 200 Goals for Graduation grants to Clubs around the United States.  Goals for Graduation is a proactive initiative for members (ages 6 – 15).  This academic goal-setting program provides members with a variety of one-on-one, small-group and large group activities to support academic goal setting, learning and success in school.

 Goals for Graduation is designed to fuel kids’ desire to strive toward new and exciting goals, while providing them with moral support and encouragement” said Lynne Smith JCPenney Store Manager “Children are our most valuable resource. They are the future leaders of our country. What better investment can we make in our future than in our children?”

 Working with Boys & Girls Club staff, participants develop three sets of goals: achievable Know-I-Can goals, more challenging Think-I-Can goals and yearly Believe-I-Can goals. A fun and motivational I Can Achieve academic pledge rally kicks off the goal-setting process, with a pledge from participants to commit to the goals they have set.

 “The JCPenney Afterschool Fund has provided us with the resources we need to create a comprehensive and effective curriculum that encourages kids to excel.” said Anne Pope, Board President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Citrus County. “We know from research and firsthand experience that kids need support in order to excel. Otherwise, they accept lower standards of academic achievement which can result in lower aspirations for higher education.”

 Goals for Graduation and the I Can Achieve academic pledge rallies have been implemented by Boys &Girls Clubs of America to help Club members link their future aspirations with their present actions. The JCPenney Afterschool Fund, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization and sponsor of after-school programs, has made Goals for Graduation and the I Can Achieve academic pledge rallies possible by awarding grants to Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide over the past three years.

 Boys & Girls Clubs are safe places to learn and grow - all while having fun, thanks in part to Goals for Graduation.   Call your local Club at 621-9225 for more information.