Through a partnership with the Provincial Government, three Boys and Girls Clubs across the province will receive funding for the continuation of the Recognizing and Nurturing Talent (RANT) program. An investment of $122,456 will support the James Hornell Boys and Girls Club in Buchans, as well as the clubs in Wabana and Norris Arm, in encouraging young people to realize their education and career goals.

"The Boys and Girls Clubs are very effective in keeping youth engaged and supporting them with completing high school," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "Our government is proud of this investment as RANT fosters the career interests of youth, enabling them to take advantage of the economic opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador."

RANT participants will be encouraged to develop positive life and social skills while increasing their awareness of education and career goals. The program will provide access to dedicated resources and supports to help young people develop and implement a realistic plan for long-term success. Components may include goal setting sessions, an evaluation of education and work needs, career counseling, tutoring and academic support, and employment readiness development.

A total of 418 youth between the ages of 10 and 20 will participate in two sessions per week for up to three hours each. Youth may attend more sessions to deal with selected issues and studies. The program also includes off-site outings that may be beneficial to the program's focus.

"The RANT program provides youth with the opportunity to discover potential careers through work place experience, skill development and community leadership," said Jackie McIsacc, RANT Project Coordinator. "This program is a great chance to give these rural youth opportunities that they might otherwise not have."

"Many families are striving to achieve personal self-reliance and our government is working to eliminate the barriers that have kept many from achieving their potential," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "As children and youth are particularly vulnerable and their inability to reach their full potential has repercussions throughout their lives and for generations to come, the Provincial Government will continue to demonstrate a strong social conscience, a progressive vision of empowerment and a willingness to provide the tools and special assistance people may need to realize their potential. Today's investment is a strong example of that commitment."

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For over 100 years, Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada have carried on a tradition of helping young people to discover, develop and achieve their full potential as adults, citizens and leaders, by engaging them in activities that challenge and enrich their minds, bodies and spirits and nurture their self-esteem.

Boys and Girls Clubs in this province run programs related to physical activity, health, and nutrition; leadership, growth, empowerment; life skills; arts and scholarships.

There are currently nine clubs throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Over 3500 young people, ages 5-18, benefit from membership in the Boys and Girls Club. In addition to staff, over 1000 volunteers contribute about 10,000 hours of community service annually.

No child is ever turned away because of inability to pay.

The Boys and Girls Club conducts extensive research into youth issues and prevention programs.