Rep. Denny Heck visits Lakewood Computer Clubhouse

United States Rep. Denny Heck made a special visit to the Lakewood Computer Clubhouse on March 13 to help celebrate the program’s new location in Lochburn Middle School. This free after-school program is operated in partnership with Pierce College, and aims to pair caring mentors with local youth ages 10-18.

During his visit, Rep. Heck spent time touring the facility and getting to know the program’s goals and its students.

“It’s wonderful to have Rep. Heck visit,” said Clubhouse Coordinator Kurt Sample. “Any time an elected official comes to talks to kids, it’s a great thing because they often don’t understand what politicians do.”

The Lakewood Computer Clubhouse strives to offer activities that encourage youth to learn more about higher education. Many students from Pierce College regularly volunteer at the Clubhouse as mentors to these students.

College Access Corps member Hannah Dominguez makes it her own personal mission to help connect Clubhouse youth with local college students to help them begin thinking about higher education.

“It’s programs like the Computer Clubhouse that help students develop computer skills while planting the seed that education is the path to opportunity,” said Patrick McGinty, College Access Corps program director.

The College Access Corps program aims to inspire students to become academically engaged with their education, while learning more about the college application and financial aid processes.

“Programs like the Lakewood Computer Clubhouse are so important, because they help to lift these students’ expectations of themselves,” Rep. Heck said. “There are so many positive and wonderful benefits to programs like this.”