(PUEBLO, Colo.) — The Boys and Girls Club of Pueblo County (BGCPC) is expanding with the help of the Colorado Department of Education's grant programs, thanks to a recently received $2.38 million award. Two grant programs, 21st Century Community Learning Centers and Colorado Academic Accelerator (CO-AAP), support the creation of local out-of-school-time programs to provide students and their families with high-quality academic enrichment opportunities and services. With these awards, BGCPC began serving middle school youth at Liberty Point International (LPI) in Pueblo West and at three other elementary-aged schools including Avondale Elementary, Columbian Elementary, and Park View Elementary in Pueblo and Avondale earlier in August 2024. This round of 21st Century grants was able to fund LPI to the maximum of $162,000 for up to five years, $810,000 over the grant period. BGCPC also has other 21st Century sites at Ray Aguilera Teen Center at Central, Cesar Chavez Academy, Minnequa Elementary, and two other middle school sites at East Side Clubhouse and Pueblo Academy of Arts. Created by the State of Colorado and administered by CDE, the CO-AAP grant is a new opportunity that provides funding. This three-year grant provides $174,600 of funding per site per year, for a total of $1,571,400 over the grant period. CO-AAP funding comes with goals to improve the student population's math scores each year. These sites only operate Monday through Thursday from after school until 5:30 p.m. All participants are eligible to be transported to the nearest full-service Clubhouse for additional services after 5:30 and all day on Fridays. “With a four day school week, learning loss due to COVID, and alarmingly low CMAS math scores, our kids need us now more than ever," said BGCPC President and CEO Angela Giron. "BGCPC is proud to partner with Pueblo City Schools and Pueblo County School District 70 to meet the needs of Pueblo County youth.” Students at any of these schools have access to the Club's services free of charge.