The Bakersfield Homeless Center recently received $5,000 from the Pacific Gas and Electric Company for new computer technology for their Champ Camp after-school program. With this grant, BHC was able to purchase four Apple iPads and two Smart TVs, which will be used by school-aged kids who reside at BHC for their tutoring, homework and enrichment activities, and will allow them access to the latest in computer technology. Access to a computer, especially the internet, can greatly increase marketable skills for a digitally/technologically-based workforce.

The BHC on-site Champ Camp Afterschool Program provides homeless children grades K-8 with fun learning activities to enhance their psycho-social development and academic growth, including: one-on-one tutoring/homework help; arts and crafts activities; field trips; special events (holiday/birthday parties, parent-child activities). Last school year, about 170 Champ Camp children completed 8,100 pages of homework with the help of mentors who provided 2,000+ hours of tutoring assistance. For more information about BHC or Champ Camp, go to bakhc.org or call (661)322-9199.