Celebrating Excellence: ACT Prep Program Tutors

Core Value Spotlight

At Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County, our core values serve as the foundation for everything we do, inspiring us to create opportunities for youth to thrive. Today, we are excited to shine a spotlight on our ACT Prep Program Tutors for their exceptional commitment to the core value of Excellence. Their hard work and dedication have made a lasting impact on our members, providing them with the tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.

Now in its fourth year, the ACT Prep Program was initiated by long-time volunteer Ryan Endres, an SEIT Engineer at Boeing, with the goal of making ACT preparation accessible and cost-free to our high school members. "Most private ACT prep programs are too expensive for our members," said Endres. "Our goal was to remove this barrier and make higher education more attainable." The program runs for nine weeks, from early June through mid-August, at our St. Charles Unit, where members meet twice a week for in-depth, focused sessions.

Throughout the program, the volunteer tutors go beyond traditional test preparation. They not only teach test-taking strategies but also mentor our students in crucial life skills, such as career exploration, college selection, resume building, budgeting, and even life after college. These sessions are designed to help students develop into lifelong learners, instilling in them the value of continuous improvement. By empowering our youth with knowledge and guidance, the tutors ensure that excellence becomes a way of life, both inside and outside the classroom.

One of the most significant outcomes of the program is the improvement in ACT scores. On average, students see a composite increase of 2-5 points, with some even opting to retake the program in hopes of further boosting their scores. This improvement opens the door to greater college and scholarship opportunities, making higher education more attainable for our members.

Ryan Endres and the team of volunteer tutors have been instrumental in shaping this program. Their dedication and passion for helping students succeed have been felt throughout the Club and beyond. Alongside ACT Prep, the program also includes resume building, high school class selection guidance, and college application strategies. Students take three full-length practice tests during the course, allowing them to gauge their progress and build confidence. These comprehensive efforts ensure that our members are well-prepared for the future.

Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County CEO Karen Englert spoke to the program’s impact, saying, "The success of our ACT Prep Program reflects our commitment to breaking down barriers for youth in our community. We are grateful to our volunteers, especially Ryan Endres, and community partners for making this program possible."

The impact of the ACT Prep Program has not gone unnoticed. Recently, it was recognized by Missouri Area Council of Boys & Girls Clubs, receiving the prestigious Program Impact Award for its contributions to the academic and personal growth of our members. The program has proven itself to be a powerful force for change, and we look forward to its continued success and expansion in the coming years.

As we celebrate the achievements of the ACT Prep Program, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the volunteer tutors who have made it all possible. Their dedication to excellence has paved the way for our members to dream big and reach their full potential. A special thank you goes to Grace Pund, Lena Singleton, Ryan Endres, Ben Hathhorn, Joshua Eastman, and Sam Hainline, whose passion for education and mentoring has inspired our youth and transformed their futures.

The next session of the ACT Prep Program will begin in June 2025, and we are excited to see its positive impact continue to grow. By fostering a culture of excellence, we are empowering the next generation to lead with confidence, purpose, and passion.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County

For nearly 70 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County (BGCSTC) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs daily during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character & leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Through annual summer camps, after-school programming, and community events, BGCSTC serves children ages 5-18 across St. Charles County and beyond to enable them to become responsible, caring, and productive citizens. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County on bgcstc.org, Facebook, and LinkedIn.