The Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue have received a $15,000 grant from The Citi Foundation to support its college preparatory program for Bellevue-area low-to-moderate income high school students.

Nationally, nearly 30 percent of high school students are at risk of dropping out of high school. To address this growing problem, the Citi Foundation has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue to ensure local high school students stay in school.

Focusing on a new program initiative called Be Great, Graduate, the Citi Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs will actively work with local high school students to help them stay in school and pursue higher education. In the first year, the club will provide 50 to 75 at-risk students with resources, including academic support, one-on-one tutoring, leadership opportunities, and direct access to state-of-the-art technology.

“This is an extremely important project,” said Craig Olson of the Citi Private Bank and longtime Boys & Girls Clubs board member. “The Be Great Graduate program is critical to ensuring the next generation has the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in our community.”

“Citi is proud to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue in its effort to help more of our youth attend college,” said Cheryl Evans, Citi Community Relations Western Regional Director. “A college education is a crucial first step to a brighter future and a fulfilling career. By offering this support, we can ensure that more of our kids reach their full potential.”

The Be Great, Graduate program was designed in response to local and national high school drop-out trends.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue was established in 1952. Currently the organization has 12 sites throughout the city of Bellevue and serves children 2 ½ – 18 years of age. For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue, call 425-454-6262.