A Partnership Transforming Digital Access and Opportunities for Pueblo Youth

For more than half a century, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County has been a beacon of support and opportunity for youth in the community. With a mission to provide a safe, enriching environment for kids and teenagers, the organization serves 2,350 young people annually across 12 sites, including their flagship Sprague Clubhouse on the south side of Pueblo. Here, children ages 6 to 18 participate in activities focused on arts, sports, STEM and more, building skills for their future.

A Hub for Connection and Opportunity

The Sprague Clubhouse is not only educational – it’s fun. This location stands out for its dedicated teen spaces, including an e-sports lab where older kids explore gaming, technology and digital creativity. In addition, classrooms are equipped for homework help and STEM programming, while other areas host recreational activities like air hockey, art workshops and sports clinics. Open Monday through Saturday, the site serves more than 350 youth annually.

As one of three Comcast Lift Zones in Pueblo, the Sprague Clubhouse offers kids and their families vital, free internet access to complete coursework and explore creative interests. This is especially important in places like Pueblo, where as many as 89% of all Club members live below the poverty line.

Digital Literacy and Mentorship as a Launchpad for Success

Teaching digital literacy is a cornerstone of the Boys & Girls Clubs’ approach to preparing youth for success. At the Sprague Clubhouse, students learn how to navigate the internet safely and responsibly. Teaching focuses on cyberbullying prevention, online etiquette and maintaining privacy, in addition to courses on digital creativity, like designing podcasts or producing video content.

Through its partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs, Comcast has played an integral role in enhancing technology access for youth. A year after launching the Sprague Lift Zone, the Clubhouse established an e-sports lab, providing resources like gaming computers and platforms like Elite Gaming Live. This platform introduces youth to animation, podcasting and video production, allowing them to earn points and qualify for e-sports tournaments while exploring interests they could apply in their future careers. For high schoolers, the Sprague Clubhouse provides “Teen Nights,” featuring modules on AI, digital animation and certification pathways. This dynamic, modular approach inspires older students to explore their interests and prepare for college, military service or workforce opportunities after graduation.

While technology is important, the Sprague Clubhouse gives equal weight to mentorship programs and hands-on experiences that encourage teamwork and peer connections. Digital literacy is embedded in these broader mentorship efforts. To support this focus, Comcast gifted Chromebooks to nearly 70 teens regularly attending the Sprague Clubhouse last year, allowing students to access educational resources, build familiarity with personal devices and learn new technology skills.

Celebrating and Supporting Pueblo Youth Success

Beyond education and technology, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County is a social pillar, offering families support that can shape lives for generations. Alumni frequently speak of the Club as a place that gave them hope, guidance and the tools to succeed. Alumni have even come back to join the Club’s board and staff to give back.

Additionally, Club programs like “Youth of the Year” have had a profound impact, celebrating student achievements through essays, speeches and a competition for scholarships to Colorado State University – Pueblo. Sponsored in part by Comcast, this initiative has transformed futures and fostered lasting relationships between the Club and its alumni.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Connectivity and Growth

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County and Comcast share a vision of closing the digital divide, empowering youth and creating pathways to future success. Resources like Lift Zones, digital education and e-sports labs allow kids to learn and thrive in digital environments where they can explore their interests, gain workforce-ready certifications and cultivate the skills needed for careers in the modern economy.

Comcast is proud to support the Boys & Girls Clubs in Pueblo as they continue expanding their services and enriching the community. To learn more about the Sprague Clubhouse, visit https://www.bgcpckids.org/sprague-clubhouse.