By J. Graber
Mail | X: @AzNewsmedia

After several years of preparation, the plan to put a Boys and Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale in Scottsdale Unified School District’s Tonalea Middle School is becoming a reality.

The club announced Oct. 16 that it has begun a fundraising campaign for the project. The goal is to raise $15 million, which will go toward revitalizing approximately 15,460 square feet of space and create a 12,260 square foot gym.

The new facility will house a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) maker space studio, tech lab, performing arts studio, art room, games room and the youth development organization’s dedicated teen center.

“This is more than just a building project, it’s about creating a lifeline for the families in south Scottsdale who need it most,” Ivan Gilreath, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale said in a press release. “This new club will offer a safe space where children can grow academically, physically and emotionally, with a hot meal, academic support and fitness programs to help them thrive.”

Approximately 84% of students at Tonalea qualify for free or reduced cost meals in 2023.

The idea of using the space that went underutilized when Tonalea went from a kindergarten through eighth grade school had been bandied about by both sides for several years.

“An undertaking as significant as building a new branch requires careful planning and coordination with many moving parts,” Gilreath said in a written statement to the Daily Independent. “To ensure the success of the project, we had to take the time to engage our community, assess our capacity and confirm that we could raise the necessary funds. This included conducting a detailed feasibility study to evaluate both the financial and operational support needed. And finally, approval from the SUSD board. Our goal is to make a lasting impact on the youth and families of south Scottsdale, and that requires a solid foundation built on careful planning and community backing.”

Boys and Girls Clubs offer a location for children aged five and up to get guidance, support and encouragement in a safe environment. The club would offer services to children who need them as well as a hot meal every evening. For $25 a year, Boys and Girls Clubs members have access to the club, staff, food and programming that includes homework help, a post-secondary scholarship coordinator, DIY STEM, America Reads, fine arts and more.

"The new Boys and Girls Club at Tonalea Middle School will serve as a vital resource, providing students with a safe and supportive environment that fosters innovative learning and engaging activities after school," district superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel said in a written statement to the Daily Independent. "We are grateful for the partnership and the opportunity this will provide our students and the larger community."

Construction is set to begin in May of 2025 with hopes of opening the branch in August 2026.

To learn more about the fund raising campaign and how to contribute, visit bgcs.org/thrive.

J. Graber can be reached at jgraber@iniusa.org. We invite our readers to submit their civil comments pro or con on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.