By Kari Haahr

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community youth and their neighbors in Lehi have a new space to spend their time outside of the classroom. The Boys & Girls Club’s Lehi Branch held an open house on March 28, where they showcased fully renovated areas where club members can engage in a variety of science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM)-related activities.

The evening opened with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, after which guests gathered in the multipurpose room for a welcome message and some words on the history of the branch. Brian Yazzie, the assistant youth director, discussed the Community’s relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, along with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale President and CEO Ivan Gilreath and SRPMIC Council members Deanna Scabby and Michael Dallas. Afterward, a light meal was served.

The open house provided an opportunity for guests to see the full extent of the branch’s renovations, starting with an updated Makerspace Studio where youth can learn exciting skills like 3D printing, using drones, coding and constructing in a safe environment. Next, the dedicated Learning Center hosts structured tutoring from ASU students in an open and collaborative environment. The tour continued into the Art Room, where students have brand-new tabletops and furniture to work on plus an upgraded cleaning station with a sink that simplifies cleaning up by separating the paint from the liquid as they wash up their supplies. This allows the kids to take pride and ownership in their space. Around the corner is the Dance Room, which is an open space with large mirrors so the youth have a space to move how they choose, whether it’s a cultural dance program or a yoga session.

Last is the updated Teen Center, which was a point of pride for the Boys & Girls Club. The newly renovated space now includes an e-sports room, a kitchen that the teens maintain and their own 3D printers.

The upgrades made to the Boys & Girls Club Lehi Branch will enhance opportunities for the youth in the program. Now they have spaces of their own where they can safely learn and create using the latest technology.

Those interested in getting involved with the Boys & Girls Club’s Lehi Branch as members, volunteers or donors can learn more at https://bgcs.org/lehi-branch/.