BY NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON
The Boys and Girls Club of the Albemarle celebrated about 20 dedicated volunteers with a special luncheon on June 11 at its Edenton location. The event served as a thank-you to those who support the Club’s mission and as an opportunity to share updates on one of its key initiatives: the youth tutoring program.
Executive Director Elizabeth Mitchell noted that most of the volunteers help in the tutoring center or the outdoor garden, located behind their facility on North Oakum Street. The volunteers include high-school students, retirees, and employed adults.
Liz Brentjens, who oversees the tutoring room, presented data showing the scope and impact of the program during the 2024–25 school year. The center provided academic support to students in kindergarten through sixth grade, with a total of 57 youth receiving individualized tutoring throughout the year.
The breakdown by grade level is as follows:
- Kindergarten and 1st grade: 12 students, 129 total tutoring visits
- 2nd grade: 10 students, 155 visits
- 3rd grade: 14 students, 152 visits
- 4th grade: 10 students, 107 visits
- 5th grade: 6 students, 39 visits
- 6th grade: 5 students, 32 visits
Brentjens noted that beyond attendance, the program is producing tangible academic gains. Sixteen Club members who were identified as needing one-on-one support showed improvement in their math grades from the beginning of the school year to the final grading period. Also, 11 students demonstrated similar progress in English Language Arts (ELA).
“None of that would have happened without you all, and we really thank you so much,” said Mitchell.
The tutoring program is part of the Club’s broader mission to provide a safe, supportive environment where young people can reach their full potential. At the luncheon, leaders expressed gratitude to the volunteers who help make that vision a reality every day.
Also during the luncheon, Mitchell noted the the nonprofit’s summer camp was scheduled to open June 16. New Education Director Lacey White worked on the Summer Slam Academic Camp, which is jungle-themed.
“It’s just really going to be a lot of fun,” Mitchell said. “I think our kids will really enjoy it.”
The luncheon included thank-you notes to volunteers and music from the program’s participants.
For information on the Boys and Girls Club of the Albemarle and how to get involved, visit the website or email Executive Director Elizabeth Mitchell at ejmitchell@bgclub-albemarle.org . All volunteers must undergo a short training and background check.
