News Summary
The Highland Park Boys & Girls Club has undergone a remarkable $2 million renovation, now known as the Hiram E. Jackson Club. This transformation honors community legacy while adding innovative spaces aimed at empowering local youth. New facilities include a Big Sean Studio and an Innovation Lab, enhancing opportunities for creative and educational growth. With the investment aimed at uplifting families, the club projects a significant return on investment for the local economy, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the community and fostering the next generation.
Exciting New Changes Coming to the Highland Park Boys & Girls Club!
Have you heard the big news from Highland Park? The beloved Boys & Girls Club is undergoing a spectacular renovation costing $2 million, all set to give this community hub a fresh makeover as the Hiram E. Jackson Club. This renovation isn’t just about changing the paint on the walls; it’s about transforming lives and creating a bright future for our local youth and their families.
A Heartfelt Tribute
The Hiram E. Jackson Club is named after a remarkable individual who has spent a lifetime supporting the community. Hiram E. Jackson walked through the doors of the Boys & Girls Club when he was just a six-year-old kid back in 1971. This new chapter in the club’s story pays tribute to an alumnus who embodies the spirit of community engagement. It’s also a historic moment, as it represents the first time an African American figure has been honored in this way in Southeastern Michigan, showing a commitment to recognizing and uplifting voices from our community.
What’s Inside the New Club?
Thanks to a generous investment sourced from a federal earmark in 2022, the newly revamped Hiram E. Jackson Club is bursting with excitement! It’s a place designed for learning, creativity, and fun, and here’s a taste of what kids can expect:
- Big Sean Studio: A cutting-edge space where kids can unleash their creativity in content creation and sound engineering!
- Commercial Kitchen: A practical area dedicated to teaching meal prep, nutrition, and food safety—perfect for aspiring chefs!
- Innovation Lab: An exciting destination for STEM activities, introducing kids to drones, robotics, coding, and more.
- Fashion Studio & Design Space: A vibrant studio that encourages young designers to bring their garment creations to life.
- Esports Lounge: A thrilling zone welcoming budding gamers to create and battle it out in tournaments while nurturing teamwork.
- Mental Health & Leadership Room: This essential space focuses on social-emotional learning, helping youth build resilience and leadership skills.
Making a Positive Impact
This renovation project isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a strategic effort to strengthen families within the Highland Park community. The club aims to generate an impressive $5 million return on investment for the local economy, bringing tangible benefits to families in various ways:
- $3.7 million: Estimated savings for families, aimed at reducing high childcare costs.
- $100,000: Expected annual youth wages as participants engage in Industry Clubs.
- $625,000: Savings from providing snacks and meals, ensuring no child goes hungry.
- $484,000: Financial savings that decrease incarceration costs, providing preventive measures for at-risk youth.
- $100,000: Help for small businesses through affordable workspaces, encouraging local entrepreneurship.
A New Dawn for the Club
The Boys & Girls Club had faced tough times, even dealing with over $1 million in debt and declining facilities. However, this renovation marks a major turnaround! It highlights the power of community support and the importance of innovative programming, ensuring the club can continue to inspire and uplift the lives of approximately 11,000 kids every year. Their programs not only focus on academics but also on sports and the arts, demonstrating that when support is provided, our young people can truly achieve great things.
In Conclusion
The renovation at the Highland Park Boys & Girls Club signals a promising future for youth empowerment and strengthens community ties. With the new name Hiram E. Jackson Club, this facility is gearing up to continue its incredible work, inspiring the dreams of countless young minds alongside their families. It’s an exciting time, and we can’t wait to see just how high these kids will soar!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Boys & Girls Club Unveils Major Renovation in Highland Park
Lowe’s Foundation Invests in Skilled Trades Training
Apple Announces $500 Billion Investment in the U.S.
Additional Resources
- New Pittsburgh Courier: Boys & Girls Club Renames Highland Park Location
- Click on Detroit: Highland Park Boys & Girls Club Celebrates Renovation
- Crain’s Detroit: Boys & Girls Clubs Food Prep and Culinary Training
- Wikipedia: Boys & Girls Club
- Crain’s Detroit: Hiram Jackson
