Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens is the largest after-school program in Western Queens. With more than 1,000 members paying $12 (or less if the family cannot afford it) we care for nearly 200 children every school day from 2:30 to 8:30 pm and on Saturday.

The Variety Boys & Girls Club provides a broad range of youth programs in five core areas:

personal & educational development,

citizenship & leadership development,

cultural enrichment,

health & physical education,

social recreation.

Youngsters enjoy a safe, active and positive environment as a constructive alternative to the streets. 

MISSION

To provide children of all backgrounds with the skills and abilities that will develop in them the qualities of self-esteem and self-confidence, which are needed to become responsible citizens and leaders.

HOW VARIETY HELPS

Variety the Children’s Charity of New York’s grant funds the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queen’s Power Hour: Making Minutes Count program. This comprehensive homework help and tutoring program is for VBGC youth ages 6-17 and provides members the support, resources and guidance necessary to complete their homework—and start the school day with a sense of confidence and ability.  As members complete homework assignments and bonus activities, they accumulate Power Points, which may be used to obtain Power Rewards—prizes, activities, and incentives.  In addition, Power Hour offers tutoring assistance for members who need additional work in special areas.

The philosophy underlying the Power Hour program is that the benefits of homework are threefold—academic, behavioral and social.  By working on homework after school, members reinforce skills and concepts learned in school that day.  Young people who consistently complete their homework develop a deeper understanding of the work, and are ready to move on to more challenging concepts.  In addition, homework completion leads to long-term improvements in members’ grades and test scores.

Beyond the academic benefit, consistent homework completions help young people develop valuable organizational skills—including time management, prioritizing, and task completion.  These skills not only are necessary for achievement in school but also are a foundation for success in a person’s career and higher education.