The Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County (BGCWC) aims to enable youth to become productive, caring, responsible citizens. Now more than ever, molding productive citizens means providing them the tools to function in an increasingly technology-dependent world. BGCWC strives to level the virtual playing field through computer labs at its five clubs. And because a significant proportion of youth that BGCWC serves do not have a computer at home, computer access at BGCWC matters. BGCWC's technology programming includes Club Tech, which nurtures technology literacy while enhancing existing youth development programs, and NetSmartz, an Internet safety course that all youth must complete to access club computers.
Encouraging local kids to join and benefit from its technology programs means BGCWC needs up-to-date software. A donation of Microsoft Windows and Office software from TechSoup has improved the clubs' offerings and driven up member numbers. BGCWC computer labs went from serving an average of 75 youths every day to 125 youth.