Sequim Gazette staff

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula received a $12,500 grant from the Qwest Foundation on Friday, Feb. 4.

 

The grant money helps KinderKids expand programming to 40 children ages 5-6 and offer scholarships to economically disadvantaged families.

 

“This generous gift from the Qwest Foundation will help us broaden our academic program and critical aftercare for children and their families in our area who are in the most need,” said Mary Budke, the Sequim and Port Angeles clubs’ executive director.

 

KinderKids started four years ago in Sequim to boost reading and literacy skills and help with a range of other subjects like math, science, geography and computer skills.

 

The Qwest Foundation gave $7,500 in 2007 to help start the KinderKids program.

 

“Early childhood education is essential for ensuring we are preparing kids to both learn later in school and be prepared for the workforce later in life,” said Qwest Washington President Kirk Nelson.

 

“We are very pleased to support the Boys & Girls Clubs with this important effort.”

 

Sequim’s KinderKids has 34 children in the program and costs just under $180,000 a year to run. The program’s weekly tuition is $80 for lunches, snacks, transportation and enrichment programming 8 a.m.-

6 p.m. Monday-Friday.

 

Qwest Foundation grants generate high-impact and measurable results through community-based programs for pre-kindergarten through high school.

 

The Boys & Girls Club in Sequim is at 400 W. Fir St. Call 683-8095.