Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio Announces New Science Program
San Antonio -- March 21, 2006

The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio (BGCSA) has just returned from Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Conn., where staff participated in a two-and-a-half day national training for the development and implementation of the Club’s new Immersion Presents Science Program. With funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (OJP), awards were made to 44 local Boys & Girls Club organizations as part of their Clubs’ Crime Prevention Initiative.

The BGCSA's selection was based upon its plan for using the Immersion program as the focus for crime prevention and youth development locally. The plan was developed at the October 2005 OJP Crime Prevention Conference in Washington, D.C. by representatives of the BGCSA, the City of San Antonio Department of Community Initiatives Directorate Youth Services Division and the San Antonio Police Athletics League.

"The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio is pleased to have been selected as one of the 44 grant recipients to participate in this exciting initiative," said Jim Watson, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio. "The Immersion Presents Science Program is designed to help youth succeed in science, mathematics, and literacy while using technology to explore the world’s natural resources. Immersion’s Adventure series is based on the explorations and expeditions of Dr. Robert Ballard, famous oceanographer and discoverer of the Titanic and the PT 109."

As part of their Crime Prevention initiative, local Clubs will involve law enforcement officers as mentors and volunteers to assist with implementing the science programs. Such interactions help build and strengthen positive relationships between law enforcement and youth.

Club leaders, along with two Club members will return to Mystic, June 3-7, for an educational camp based on Dr. Ballard’s summer exploration – Greece Erupts! At the camp they will have an opportunity to explore behind the scenes of the Mystic Aquarium and participate in many fun and exciting science activities. Participants will have the opportunity to communicate directly with Dr. Ballard and other expedition team members through live broadcasts from his ship in the Santorini Island area. The Club members will be selected for the camp based on their performance in the initial phase of the curriculum, starting April 3, which focuses on Dr. Ballard's Black Sea missions.

The BGCSA will continue participating in the Immersion Program at its Calderon Branch with three additional parts of the series: Titanic LIVE, Life at the Extremes and Dolphins. The BGCSA is seeking funding through the San Antonio Area Foundation to expand the program to additional San Antonio Club branches.

"The Boys & Girls Clubs strongly believe in creating options for youth, where they have the opportunity to follow their dreams just as Ballard has been able to do throughout his amazing career," said Watson. "Law enforcement officials agree, youth who are engaged in something they like to do are far less likely to become engaged in crime and other at-risk behaviors."

Founded in 1939, the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio serve more than 6,000 members annually at five branch locations. The Clubs provide after school and summer program services that develop talents, values and skills in youth ages six-to-18 years old, paying particular attention to those most disadvantaged.

As a result of the Clubs programs, young people are inspired and enabled to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.