CARQUEST Education Outreach Helps Makes Every Minute Count

EDUCATION & TRAINING
CARQUEST Education Outreach Helps Makes Every Minute CountATLANTA (Aug. 29, 2007) - When the school bell tolls this back-to-school season, 10 Boys & Girls Clubs will be better prepared to help end educational disparities, the result of a new partnership between CARQUEST Auto Parts and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA).  As a supporting sponsor of "Power Hour: Every Minute Counts," CARQUEST will provide funding for an interactive after-school program that provides high-yield learning opportunities for Club members. The program offers interactive homework assistance during after-school hours for children ages 6 to 18. It is designed to motivate and improve students' homework skills, and feel good about their accomplishments. Students also can receive tutoring as necessary. CARQUEST is providing grants to select BGCA locations that will help the BGCA conduct Power Hour sessions during the 2007-2008 school year. "We are pleased to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs to assist youth in the communities in which we are located, with this quality after-school program," says Dorothy Brown Smith, CARQUEST vice president for communications.  In addition, the company works with local Clubs to promote education through fun learning activities such as its recent Technology Camp at the corporate headquarters. The interactive tour of the Hendrick Motorsports facility in Charlotte, NC, was designed to open awareness to potential career opportunities in racing. The company also offered scholarships to 24 students so they could experience and explore today's technology in a real-world setting.  The BGCA says that numerous studies have shown that quality after-school programs result in long-term, life-changing lessons that include improved social skills, increased academic performance and a more positive attitude toward learning.  "We are grateful to CARQUEST for the funds that will enable us to continue to fulfill our promise of providing hope and opportunity to all youth," says Carter J. Savage, BGCA vice president for Program & Youth Development Services.(Source: BGCA)