Billings, MT – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County is boosting educational opportunities for local youth by converting part of its Bair Family Clubhouse into a dedicated learning center. The project was made possible by a $45,000 grant from the Panda Express nonprofit foundation, Panda Cares.
What the new center offers
Designed as a “Center of Hope,” the space joins more than 150 Panda Cares locations across the United States. It provides students with a quiet place for homework assistance, hands‑on science experiments, reading time and supplemental lessons that go beyond the regular school day.
Club vice president of culture and innovation Nick Enslow highlighted the addition of a smart board and flexible workstations that can accommodate “messy, yucky science stuff” that excites kids. Enslow said the goal is to help students become ready for college or trade school and to lift high‑school graduation rates in the surrounding neighborhoods, which have historically lagged behind state averages.
Community impact
County clubs president and CEO Brian Dennis emphasized that, while the club is not an official education program, it aims to give children the tools they need to succeed academically. “We want to remove barriers and give kids the chance to take advantage of the school‑day experience,” Dennis said.
The surprise unveiling of the center on Tuesday night was met with excitement from the children who attend the club. Seven‑year‑old Callie guessed the new addition might be new furniture or flooring, while six‑year‑old Dylan imagined balloons and windows. Both were delighted when staff opened the doors to reveal the fully equipped learning space.
Support from local partners
After the ribbon‑cutting, club staff served Panda Express meals to the gathered students, reinforcing the partnership that made the project possible. The grant from Panda Cares reflects a broader corporate‑philanthropy effort to strengthen communities by investing in education and youth development.
Enslow and Dennis both expressed optimism that the center will become a hub for academic growth, especially for families seeking extra support outside of school hours. By providing resources such as a smart board, science kits and dedicated tutoring space, the club hopes to foster a culture of learning that can ripple through the wider Yellowstone County community.
Looking ahead
Club leaders plan to track the center’s impact on graduation rates and college enrollment over the coming years. They also hope to expand programming to include career‑oriented workshops and trade‑school preparation, aligning with the region’s growing demand for skilled workers.
For parents and guardians interested in enrolling their children or learning more about the new learning center, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County encourages visits to the Bair Family Clubhouse during regular club hours.
Original reporting: KTVQ Q2 Billings (local) — read the source article.
