Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania Awarded GOLD Level Pennsylvania’s Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion
Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania Awarded GOLD Level Pennsylvania’s Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (April 6, 2022) – Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (BGCWPA) has been awarded the GOLD level as a Pennsylvania’s Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion. More than 50 submissions were received as part of the 2022 recognition of the work being done around equity in Pennsylvania’s early learning settings.
“At Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, we believe in the power of education to unlock opportunities for all children, we value the voices of the diverse youth and families we serve, and we recognize the critical work that our staff does everyday to place children on a path toward a successful future,” said Dr. Lisa Palmieri, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are humbled by this prestigious award, and it serves as a reaffirmation of our commitment to advancing an equitable future for the children of Allegheny and Somerset Counties.”
The award, provided from the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), brings awareness to and highlights the equity work being done within Pennsylvania’s early childhood education and afterschool settings. BGCWPA was recognised for their work in diversity, equity and inclusion, commitment to quality standards, outreach efforts, the creation of a scholarship fund for families in need of assistance, partnerships with schools and other organizations, and the provision of regular training
“The team at Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania understands that each family and child we serve is unique. In the last two years, our organization has transformed because we have been intentional about building a foundation of quality for all the youth and families we serve,” said Missy Fuller, Vice President of Operations. “Guided by our mission, we do ‘Whatever It Takes’ for staff, youth, families, and communities. Thank you to OCDEL and PA KEY for this recognition and honor.”
The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is honored to recognize the work of the early childhood education programs and professionals on behalf of Pennsylvania children and their families through embracing diversity and full inclusion as strengths, upholding fundamental principles of fairness and justice, and working to eliminate structural inequities that limit equitable learning opportunities.
BGCWPA offers programming in 12 locations across Allegheny and Somerset counties for youth from three years old to young adults. Program offerings include preschool, after school, summer day camp, teen programming, career exploration, planning and training as well as specialty options such as STEM, art, literacy and sports. For more information about BGCWPA, visit bgcwpa.org
For more information about the Equity in ECE Champion Award visit the Pennsylvania Key website here.