Environments Kids Want to Be In: Panda Cares & Clubs Create Kid-Centered Learning Spaces

Long before Monte Baier became Senior Vice President and general counsel for Panda Restaurant Group, best known for the Panda Express restaurant chain, he was a member of his local Boys & Girls Club. He credits his experience at his Club with changing his life.

“Knowing that there were people who believed in me and my potential is why I’ve had success,” says Baier. “My family life was characterized by instability and frequent transitions, and I attended 13 different schools before I turned 14. At my Club, I had people who believed in me, and that was the entire difference as to why I went to college and later law school.”

This firsthand knowledge of the power of youth mentorship inspires Baier to give back to the place that shaped him. Under the Panda umbrella, he gets the chance to do so in a big way.

Since 2022, Panda Cares Foundation’s national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America has helped young people have safe, caring places and academic support. Through this partnership, select Boys & Girls Clubs receive a $45,000 grant to renovate a space for their very own Center of Hope — a multi-functional, multipurpose learning space where kids can receive extra educational support and simply be themselves. Additionally, the Clubs implement new policies, practices and programs to maximize their impact, with a focus on supporting all youth in achieving academic success.

So far, the partnership has launched 100 Centers of Hope at Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the nation and will reach 114 Centers by the end of 2024. Each Center of Hope is united through Project Learn, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s evidence-based, holistic strategy that empowers adaptive, engaged and effective young learners. Staff at Centers of Hope see the impact of Project Learn each day: kids thrive academically, socially and emotionally when they spend time outside of school participating in fun and educational activities. Club kids get a chance to practice what they’re learning at school in a safe, supportive and kid-friendly space that helps them develop a passion for learning.

A Place to Call Their Own

“The Center of Hope has given our kids a sense of hope and belonging,” says Elvin Campbell, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Stanton. “It’s a place they can call their own, and I’m proud to see them take ownership of it. The Center of Hope has transformed our learning center into a place where kids are eager to come in, complete their homework and spend time having fun.”

By fostering a consistent and supportive environment, Panda Cares Centers of Hope provide children with a sense of belonging and stability. This allows for the development of strong relationships between children and caring adults and creates a positive and nurturing atmosphere to excel academically.

“Here in Metro LA, our Clubs have a long history, some dating back over 70 years, ” says Kim Washington, VP of Development & Marketing at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles. “The renewed space made these kids feel valued and proud. It provided them with the confidence and tools they need to succeed. It’s a game changer.”

Vocabulary development was a key area of focus at the Metro LA Clubs. Through Project Learn and other programs, their Club kids learned more than a thousand new words. “We’ve seen significant improvements in their academic performance as evidenced by pre- and post-tests and feedback from parents,” says Washington. “Students are more focused, intentional and find homework easier thanks to the support they receive at our Clubs.”

Empowering Every Child with Tailored Academic Support

At the Centers of Hope, Club staff offer a personalized approach to learning and development, tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. Recognizing that every child learns differently, the Centers offer individualized support to help students understand their homework, gain confidence in their academic abilities and adopt a growth mindset.

“We remind kids that their academic success is key to changing their life circumstances,” says Patty Siqueiros, Executive Director of Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens. “Education can open doors to college and new opportunities. The Center of Hope reminds them that they are just as capable as any other kid.” The Centers aren’t just enhancing the present; they’re laying the groundwork for a brighter future.

RJ, Club kid at Boys & Girls Club of Stanton, is an incredibly bright six-year-old with big thoughts and even bigger energy — and that often impacted his ability to stay focused. Once his Club’s Center of Hope opened last November, RJ was able to thrive inside a structured day, which allowed him to complete his homework and have tutored time before spending some of his abundant energy on the playground. Afterward, RJ could enjoy a quiet activity of his choice. He opted to write a journal and ended up filling two notebooks with his thoughts. RJ has been able to advance from kindergarten to second grade thanks to his customized schedule and support from his Center of Hope.

Meanwhile, thanks to a generous grant from Panda and the Center of Hope, four members of the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens have received scholarships to attend top-tier universities. These students, supported by their hardworking families, will pursue their academic goals and expand possibilities for their entire families.

“As more kids graduate feeling lifted up,” says JR Dzubak, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of West San Gabriel Valley & Eastside, “we’ll see a ripple effect of success and sustainability, with members returning to support the Club and others.”

This creates a positive cycle of giving back, ensuring that the benefits of the Centers of Hope extend far beyond the walls of the Club. Being able to give back in this way is especially important for Julia McCarthy, Community Relations Manager at Panda Cares. “Opening our 100th Panda Cares Center of Hope in partnership with Boys & Girls Club of America is a very personal accomplishment for me,” McCarthy says. “The Club is in Boyle Heights, my hometown, and my mother still lives nearby. I truly wish there had been a Club there when I was growing up because the Club makes a huge difference for so many kids.”

Championing a Strong and Lasting Partnership

The collaboration between Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Panda Cares has proven to be a powerful force for positive change in communities across the nation. A key strength of the partnership is the long-term commitment that both organizations have made to their shared mission.

“What sets our partnership with Panda Cares apart is their genuine commitment to making a difference in our kids’ lives,” Siqueiros says. “Their entire team is invested in our mission, and they provide ongoing support and resources to help our kids pursue their dreams.”

Since 2022, a key benefit of the partnership is the consistent support it offers to children. To redefine life circumstances and navigate a changing workforce, it’s important that youth have opportunities to foster a love of learning and build adaptable skill sets. Boys & Girls Clubs and Panda want to provide every kid with the resources, strategies and support they need to pursue higher education with confidence. Looking forward to the future, the partnership aims to be in 500 Clubs by the year 2030.

Great Futures Start Here

Through afterschool programs at Boys & Girls Clubs, kids and teens can build their academic skills, get homework help and explore their interests. Find a Club near you to help set the stage for your child’s success in college, career and life.