Raising the Grade
TRURO, N.S. – Jack McQuaid and Owen Carr have not only improved their grades, they’ve had fun doing it.
The 14-year-old Truro Junior High students take part in a program called Raise the Grade, run by the Boys and Girls Club of Truro and Colchester and supported by RBC Future Launch.
“I get help with homework here,” said Jack. “I’m not really good at math but my mark went from 60 to 70.
“This is a great place to be and there are a lot of great opportunities with this program.”
One reason he signed up was, when he was younger, he noticed his sister having a lot of fun in the program. Today, Lauren Mcquaid is a staff member with the Boys and Girls Club and manages the program.
“We offer homework support, and help kids with decisions about their future,” she said. “They learn about things like bank accounts, student loans and credit cards. If I can’t help them with something, I find someone who can.
“We also provide snacks, access to a technical centre, and free printing.”
When she was a student in the program she took part in a trip to Ottawa and met Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau.
Owen’s grades have improved since he got involved in the program.
“I’m also getting help figuring out what I want to do,” he said. “I’m thinking about RCMP or business management.
“The program is fun, too. We start off with games and talk about interesting topics.”
His younger brother is in the Junior Raise the Grade program.
Jack is also considering a career in the RCMP.
“I think a lot of the information from this program will help us whatever we do,” he said. “One of the things I learned is how expensive the real world is.”
Raise the Grade is for anyone aged 14 to 18.
“A lot of people think the Boys and Girls Club is just for younger kids, but it’s a place for all kids to feel they belong,” added Lauren. “Our youth program is called A Place to Belong.”