COLUMBUS, Ohio – Boys & Girls’ Clubs in Columbus and six other Ohio cities are getting a gift that will allow them to provide regular homework help to as many as 10,000 students.
With a donation of $100,000, Direct Energy will become the first statewide sponsor of Power Hour, the Boys & Girls Clubs’ after-school academic support program.
“By creating opportunities for interaction with adult role models, Direct Energy is helping to improve our young people’s academic performance and instill confidence, hope and empowerment among the young people we serve,” said Rebecca Asmo, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus.
Asmo noted that high school dropout rates can be as high as 50 percent in some of the areas served by Direct Energy and the clubs.
During the Power Hour from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., adult volunteers and staff members give club members extra support to build reading and math skills.
The Power Hour will be provided by clubs in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Toledo, Dayton, Akron and Youngtown.
In addition to the financial donation, many employees of the energy-choice company will become volunteer mentors for club members who range from six to 18 years of age.