FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

James M. Cox Foundation Awards $25,000 Grant to Create Innovation Lab at Portsmouth Boys & Girls Club

Renovated space expands hands-on STEM learning with new computers, a 3D printer and educational supplies

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — 9/26/2026 — Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia has transformed the education space at its Portsmouth Club into an Innovation Lab with support from a $25,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation.

The grant allowed the Club to redesign the room and equip it with new computers, a 3D printer, and supplies to advance its science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programming. The renovated space gives young people more opportunities to explore technology, develop new skills and bring their ideas to life through hands-on learning.

Located at 5905 Portsmouth Blvd., the Portsmouth Club provides a safe, supportive environment where youth can learn and grow after school and during the summer. The new Innovation Lab builds on that work by creating a dedicated space for discovery, creativity and problem-solving.

Through expanded STEM activities, Club members can explore how things work, experiment with design and connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world applications. Access to updated technology also helps introduce youth to tools and skills they may encounter in future educational and career opportunities.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia is grateful to the James M. Cox Foundation for investing in Portsmouth youth and helping create a space where curiosity can lead to new possibilities.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia provides affordable, accessible youth development programs for young people ages 6–18 across Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore. Through academic support, healthy lifestyles, leadership development, and career exploration, Clubs help young people build the skills and confidence to reach their full potential.

Media Contact:

Tyrell Scott
Media & Marketing Coordinator
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia
tscott@bgcseva.org | 757-321-7076