PEORIA (25News Now) – A new learning space is now open for kids at the Boys & Girls Club’s location on Grinnell in Peoria. The Panda Cares Center of Hope, funded by a $45,000 Project Learn grant, aims to get students future-ready.
The room opened after a grand opening this week. It serves youth ages 6 to 18 with after school tutoring and mentoring.
Students have access to iPads, laptops with Skyward and other school apps, a digital whiteboard, educational VR games, a 3D printer and a reading corner.
Program Director Aaron Williams said the room was closed for six months for the renovation from a classroom. He said the club was chosen through a partnership grant application and hopes to bring the same project to the Kansas site next year.
Panda said it plans to establish 400 centers in Boys & Girls Clubs across the U.S. by 2030.
“We got iPads, digital whiteboard, the VR with educational games in there, learning how to do the 3D printer. And also, it’s just amazing to get this grant. What it will serve is a lot of the community at the end of the day. It is an unlimited number,” Williams said.
Williams said the grant is long overdue for youth in the community and thanked Panda Cares. The club celebrated with food, games and decorations in the gym.
