SunTrust Foundation gives $10,000 to after-school program for at-risk kids

Bethlehem Center of Charlotte, which operates Mecklenburg County’s Head Start Program, will launch a new after-school program in November, with the help of $10,000 from the SunTrust Foundation.

The program, called “Out of School Time,” will be held in the Stephanie Jennings Education Center at 3320 N. Sharon Amity in east Charlotte.

Bethlehem Center is also collaborating with Discovery Place and Community School of the Arts to provide specialized classes and activities for the comprehensive program that will include tutoring and special field trips. Initially, 40 children from kindergarten through fifth grade will be served, but that number will grow, officials said.

“The (Bethlehem Center’s) programs and activities helping at-risk children and families align closely with the SunTrust purpose of lighting the way to financial well-being,” said Jenna Kelly, regional president for SunTrust Bank.

Bethlehem Center of Charlotte is a nonprofit organization providing educational opportunities for at-risk families to improve the quality of their lives. Founded by United Methodist Women in 1940, BCC seeks to break the cycle of poverty by helping children and families learn to become self-sufficient.

It implements the Head Start preschool program for Mecklenburg County as well an Out of School Time enrichment program, summer camp and educational classes for parents. Over 800 children, youth and seniors are currently served by the many programs offered by BCC.

This story was originally published September 21, 2015 at 8:24 AM with the headline "SunTrust Foundation gives $10,000 to after-school program for at-risk kids."