HOLLYWOOD — College preparation is starting early at the Hollywood Boys & Girls Club.

On Jan. 18, representatives from City College visited with about six teenagers from the Boys & Girls Club to kick off a new collaboration. Along with food, music and games, the kickoff involved students filling out surveys about what subjects they are most interested in learning more about at future events. Subjects listed on the survey included technology, communication, music, college readiness, creative writing, health, life skills and an option to suggest an unlisted idea. The information collected from the surveys will be used to create monthly workshops City College will host specially for Tribal Boys & Girls Club teen students. The workshops are not yet set with specific dates, but will likely begin within the next few months. The club also plans to host field trips to City College and bring college students to meet with club members.

Laura Strong, City College director of admissions, said that City College wanted to start this collaboration to be more involved in the community. They chose to reach out to the Boys & Girls Club specifically because there is an annual $10,000 scholarship program available to student members. To be eligible, Boys & Girls Club students must also be eligible for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship.

In forming the relationship, Strong said, “There’s nothing better than being inspired by somebody in person,” explaining that she grew up in a small town and wished she had an opportunity like this when she was younger.

“I was able to get an education – I just started late – but it did a lot for me,” she said. “My whole goal is to inspire people when they’re younger and help them understand that there are a lot of options out there. …”

Rebecca Bryant, Boys & Girls Club manager, hopes the new collaboration will inspire the teens to take control of their futures and personal decisions.

“It’s extremely important to us that the youth take ownership for their own futures and be able to create their own definitions of what success is, with or without college,” Bryant wrote in an email to the Tribune.

For more information about City College, visit citycollege.edu. To get involved with a local Tribal Boys and Girls Club, visit bgc.semtribe.com.