FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica Media Contact
Brynja Seagren, CEO
310.361.8500 x207
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SANTA MONICA AND PANDA CARES FOUNDATION, THE PHILANTHROPIC ARM OF PANDA EXPRESS, PARTNER TO SUPPORT ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Grand Opening Celebration for the New Panda Cares Center of Hope at Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica Held on August 21.
SANTA MONICA, Calif., — August 21 — Boys & Girls Clubs play a critical role in supporting youth’s academic success during their after-school hours.
In partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Panda Cares Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Panda Express, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new Panda Cares Center of Hope, located at 4901 Marionwood Drive, Culver City, Calif., 90230.This Club is operated in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) and is nestled in the heart of the Mar Vista Gardens Community. Thecelebration, held on August 21 at 4:30 p.m., featured a ribbon cutting ceremony, Panda Express meals for youth, interactive activities, and special giveaway items.
The Panda Cares Center of Hope is a newly transformed learning space designed to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and strengthen academic success for young people in the community. The Center supports Project Learn, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s evidence‑based approach to youth‑centered learning. Through homework help, tutoring, enrichment activities, and hands‑on learning experiences, the Center of Hope encourages Club members to explore their interests, develop problem‑solving skills, and fall in love with learning.
The space includes a fully refreshed learning environment featuring new carpets, paint, modern furniture, books, and creative learning materials, all intentionally designed to create a welcoming, engaging space where Club kids can learn, create, and grow.
“We are very grateful for this space,” said Brynja Seagren, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica’s CEO. “It serves as a hub for curiosity, literacy, and innovation, which are all foundational to academic success. Our Club members have access to even more STEM kits, books, art supplies, digital learning platforms, mentorship opportunities, and experiential workshops that connect learning to real‑world skills and future careers.”
“HACLA is proud to join our partners in opening the new Panda Cares Center of Hope—a space where young people can feel safe, supported, and inspired to discover their full potential,” said HACLA President & CEO, Lourdes Castro Ramirez. “When we come together to put kids first, we strengthen families, uplift communities, and build a brighter future for all of us. We are deeply grateful to Panda Cares and the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Monica for believing in our youth and investing in the tools, opportunities, and meaningful experiences that help them thrive in school and in life.”
This opening contributes to a major national milestone for Panda Cares. In 2026, Panda Cares will celebrate the opening of its 200th Center of Hope inside a Boys & Girls Club, reflecting the continued growth of the initiative in response to Club and community demand. Since the partnership launched in 2020, Panda Cares has committed more than $62 million to advance academic programming, expand Project Learn, establish Panda Cares Centers of Hope nationwide, and support youth pursuing higher education through the Panda Cares Scholarship Program. This impact is made possible through the generosity of Panda Express guest donations that directly support Boys & Girls Clubs in local communities.
Through Centers of Hope, Project Learn, and scholarships, Panda Cares and Boys & Girls Clubs of America are working together to ensure Club Kids are not only prepared for success in school, but for great futures beyond graduation.
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About Panda Express®
On a mission to inspire better lives, Panda Express® is the largest Asian dining concept in the United States. Family-owned and operated since 1983 by Co-Founders and Co-CEOs Andrew and Peggy Cherng, Panda Express is known for pioneering industry-first recipes such as The Original Orange Chicken® and Honey Walnut Shrimp. With more than 2,500 locations worldwide, Panda remains committed to quality ingredients, bold flavors, and supporting communities. Through its philanthropic arm, Panda Cares®, the company has raised over $449 million and supported health and education programs for more than 16 million youth. Learn more at PandaExpress.com or find Panda Express on social media.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica
For over 80 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica’s sole focus has been on providing what kids need to thrive. As kid experts, we’re elevating after school with a holistic focus on helping kids and teens discover their potential, build meaningful relationships, and develop the skills they need to chase big dreams. Through over 30 intentionally designed programs in workforce readiness, healthy lifestyles, and character & leadership, we equip kids—especially those who need us most—to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Learn more at smbgc.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided safe places where young people can learn, grow, and build bright futures. Clubs offer mentorship, enrichment programs, and essential support during critical after-school hours. More than 5,500 Clubs nationwide serve over 4 million youth through impactful programs focused on academic success, character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Learn more at BGCA.org or follow Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and LinkedIn.
