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Educators, mentors and parents are putting an extra emphasis on literacy skills to help America's youth beat the odds and graduate.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) is no different. With generous support from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, BGCA has teamed up with Developmental Studies Center to implement AfterSchool KidzLit, a proven reading enrichment program for young people in grades K-8.

Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County is one of 18 organizations across the country selected to benefit from essential after-school educational assistance that emphasizes literacy. Each Club is receiving a $5,000 program implementation grant and an AfterSchool KidzLit kit, including grade- and age-appropriate books and leader's guides. In August, Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County's Jody Briggs, Executive Director joined representatives from the selected sites in Atlanta for intensive training led by Lissette Resto-Brooks, an instructor for Developmental Studies Center.

"It was a great opportunity to learn first-hand the key components of the program and to share ideas with staff of other Clubs who will be implementing the program," Briggs said. "I'm excited about the difference this program will have on our community. It has the potential to make a positive impact on the young people we serve by increasing their appreciation for and enjoyment of high-quality children's literature."

Studies have shown that quality after-school programs result in long-term, life-changing lessons, including improved social skills, increased academic performance and a more positive attitude toward learning. The AfterSchool KidzLit approach is one where youngsters hear and read stories filled with relevant, multicultural characters, settings and issues. It helps them to think and speak about crucial social and ethical values.

KidzLit's primary activity is reading, but it also includes discussions and other fun, interactive activities through which participating young people explore more deeply the themes and content of the books and gain a better understanding of themselves and others.

"Reading and studying outside of school is critical to the learning process," said Dave Bere, Dollar General's president and chief strategy officer, and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation's president. "The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is proud to support Boys & Girls Clubs to ensure children have the literacy skills they need to build a strong foundation for academic success."

The Kidzlit Program started in September and is being led by Carmen Alverio, Youth Development Professional, on Tuesday's and Thursday's. Approximately 37 members in grades 1-6 are participating. Club members are learning about the importance of reading for pleasure, they will be able to expand their vocabulary and reading comprehension. Books are chosen based on the needs and interests of Club members with an emphasis on building positive friendships, character development and bullying.

"Reading scores among America's youth, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, continue well below what they should be," said BGCA President and CEO Roxanne Spillett. "Without a solid foundation in reading, how can we ever expect America's young people to reach their full academic potential? That's why we are so grateful to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for helping us bring a wonderful reading enrichment program to our Club members."

Located at 55 E. Benton Street, Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County provides program opportunities for 500 boys and girls each year. The Club is open Monday through Friday from 2:30-7:30 p.m. Youngsters interested in joining the Club and learning more about KidzLit or other youth programs may contact the Club at 366-1061.

AfterSchool KidzLit, published by Oakland, Calif.-based Developmental Studies Associates, www.devstu.org, is a reading enrichment program designed for use in out-of-school settings. It increases young people's motivation to read and builds their literacy skills. At the same time, it develops core values of helpfulness, fairness, personal responsibility and respect for others. Leaders use a five-part process in which children hear engaging books read aloud, or read them independently, and make connections to their own lives. They express their feelings and grapple with big ideas through discussions, games, drama, art, physical activities and writing.

Dollar General is a leading discount retailer with more than 8,600 neighborhood stores. The company has a longstanding tradition of supporting literacy and education. Since its inception in 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $38.4 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 2.1 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. To learn more about Dollar General, visit www.dollargeneral.com.