The Ford Motor Fund has awarded the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County $10,000 to try to raise attendance of middle school-aged children at the club.

Maggie Cushine is with the club on Niles Street in east Bakersfield and said the club’s popularity tends to wane as children get older – usually at around sixth grade.

“Once they start getting other influences in their life, they tend to not stay in the club – in high school, even more so,” she said. “So, if we can get them connected at the junior high level, then they can have that support system and homework help after school.”

Cushine said the club was one of about 15 in southern California to receive the grant.

– Anthony Pollreisz