Starke County Youth Club Summer Enrichment Focuses on STEM

Published: May 1, 2015
By: Mary Perren, WKVI
 
Youngsters who take part in this year’s Starke County Youth Club summer enrichment programs will get to put lessons in science, technology, engineering and math skills to use. Executive Director Irene Szakonyi says they provide critical thinking skills.

“They need to be able to problem solve in order to be successful, healthy adults. They need to be able to attack a problem, design a solution and not get intimidated if the solution doesn’t work. They need to have some grit to them that enables you to keep going. When at first you don’t succeed, they try and try again and finally succeed. That’s amazing,” Szakonyi said.

She added youngsters develop those skills in a hands-on setting by doing science experiments like designing roller coasters or making solar ovens. This year the SCYC is using curriculum developed by NASA for the summer enrichment programs.

Starke County Youth Club participants, instructors and board members will take to the WKVI airwaves today for the Eighth Annual Starke County Youth Club/WKVI Radiothon. Szakonyi says they hope to raise $50,000 in donations and pledges this year. Visit their website, www.thescyc.org to learn more.

5/1/2015 After School Organization Looking To Generate Funds for Youth Programs

Published: March 23, 2015
By: Tyler Maffitt, WKVI
 
A local after school program is looking to raise a bit of money later this spring.

The Starke County Youth Club’s 8th Annual RadioThon will be held May 1st. The organization – which launched in 2001 – provides a range of activities, including healthy eating and possibly taking students on field trips.

Executive Director Irene Szakonyi says their organization gives students a safe place to be after school.

“The additional benefit of that is that family members can really stay focused on their jobs,” says Szakonyi. “It helps reduce absenteeism for parents, it helps parents feel comfortable and safe about where their kids are.”

According to information released by the SCYC, 20-percent of school age children are left unsupervised after classes.

Data from the Afterschool Alliance suggests that juvenile crime spikes during the hours immediately after schools.

Kids from every site across the county will be participating in the campaign kick-off. Szakonyi says all of the funds raised stay local.

“It really does help us to make sure that we have fantastic projects for kids all across the county,” says Szakonyi. “Whether it’s helping kids with their homework, providing individual tutoring, or teaching kids life skills and giving cultural exposure.”

The Starke County Youth Club offers services at schools all over the Starke county.

The organization has a goal through the RadioThon of raising $50-thousand.