The generous donation is in support of the city's and Mayor Andre Dickens "Year of the Youth" initiative.

ATLANTA — Atlanta leaders made a generous donation to the local Boys & Girls Club as part of Mayor Dickens Year of the Youth initiative, according to a news release from the Club. 

"This generous donation will significantly impact our ability to provide a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment for kids & teens to thrive during critical after-school hours and school breaks," said BGCMA President & CEO David Jernigan. 

Dickens' initiative, which was launched last year, is an effort to help create educational, recreational and mentorship opportunities for Atlanta's youth.

In a recent update, the mayor said the city invested $5 million into the program and raised another $16 million. At least 5,000 teens were hired through the program over the summer. Mayor Dickens also said in his update last week that 7,000 child savings accounts were opened.

According to the release, the Club plans to invest in more staffing, employing more academic coaches, improving technology infrastructure, and more. 

Leaders of the metro Atlanta Club also stated they will be extending their operating hours only to Fridays and Saturday evenings.

“I am so proud to say that over the course of our Year of the Youth initiative, we have been able to provide services to more than 30,000 of our young people and these commitments to local organizations will continue to see more youth engaged," Mayor Dickens said.

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