Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, in partnership with Panda Cares, the philanthropic foundation of Panda Express, celebrated the grand opening of the newest Panda Cares Center of Hope at its Mesquite Club on December 10.
The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Panda Express food, youth activities, and giveaway items, marking the official launch of a newly renovated space designed to enhance academic success and joy for Club members. The Center of Hope was created to meet the evolving needs of youth by providing a supportive, engaging environment focused on learning, creativity, and growth.
According to Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) 2024 Youth Right Now report, 92% of Club members are on track to graduate high school on time, and 74% expect to attend college. The Panda Cares Center of Hope builds on this momentum by implementing Project Learn, an evidence-based, holistic strategy developed by BGCA and Panda Cares. Project Learn reinforces classroom learning through homework help, high-yield academic activities, and experiences that foster a love of learning.
The Mesquite Center of Hope offers academic support and access to a wide range of resources, including STEM kits, art supplies, books, and digital learning platforms. The space also serves as a hub for workshops, mentorship opportunities, and extracurricular programming that build confidence and expand horizons.
The opening coincided with the sixth year of partnership between BGCA and Panda Cares. Since 2020, Panda Cares has committed more than $51 million to support academic programming, Project Learn, Panda Cares Centers of Hope nationwide, and the Panda Cares Scholarship Program. These programs help Club members pursue bright futures beyond high school.
