Kam Sallee, senior program director at the Prairie Central sites for the Boys and Girls Club, explained current club programs to the Fairbury Rotary Tuesday.
The robotics program includes two mentors and nine weeks left to build a large robot. Eight kids are involved this year and are excited about it.
Sallee also discussed an entrepreneurship program teaching kids about starting a business. Kids participating will get a high school credit and the Boys and Girls Club is looking for local business owners to explain what they do in June.
“It helps us bridge the gap,” Sallee said.
A licensed teacher will run the program which benefits students and the community. Sallee explained the national unemployment is higher for teenagers due to the disconnect between school and working. Some of the biggest job shortages are in the skilled trades currently.
Prior to the start of school in the fall, a boot camp will be offered in Pontiac to get students ready for school.
The idea behind the entrepreneurship program is to show kids that they can stay in Fairbury and still earn a very good wage.
Boys and Girls Club board member Sue Popejoy reminded Rotary members of an upcoming breakfast planned for March 4 from 6:30-8 a.m. at the Walton Centre in downtown Fairbury. The free breakfast includes a club update and goals for the next few years. Also, the Youth of the Year participant will speak.
