HOPKINSVILLE KY, (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – On Sept. 18, the community gathered to tour the new Cornell Teen Center at the Boys and Girls Club of Hopkinsville-Christian County.

“Everything in this teen center and new FabLab was designed by the kids and for the kids,” said Terrence Davis, Executive Director. “It’s an amazing 2,000 square feet for kids full of technology and opportunity.”

The Boys and Girls Club Hopkinsville, 1600 Walnut Street unveils new teen center, Sept. 18 2024. (Lily Russell)
The Boys and Girls Club Hopkinsville, 1600 Walnut Street unveils new teen center, Sept. 18 2024. (Lily Russell)
The Boys and Girls Club Hopkinsville, 1600 Walnut Street unveils new teen center, Sept. 18 2024. (Lily Russell)
The Boys and Girls Club Hopkinsville, 1600 Walnut Street unveils new teen center, Sept. 18 2024. (Lily Russell)
The Boys and Girls Club Hopkinsville, 1600 Walnut Street unveils new teen center, Sept. 18 2024. (Lily Russell)
The Boys and Girls Club Hopkinsville, 1600 Walnut Street unveils new teen center, Sept. 18 2024. (Lily Russell)
The Boys and Girls Club Hopkinsville, 1600 Walnut Street unveils new teen center, Sept. 18 2024. (Lily Russell)
The Boys and Girls Club Hopkinsville, 1600 Walnut Street unveils new teen center, Sept. 18 2024. (Lily Russell)
The Boys and Girls Club Hopkinsville, 1600 Walnut Street unveils new teen center, Sept. 18 2024. (Lily Russell)
The Boys and Girls Club Hopkinsville, 1600 Walnut Street unveils new teen center, Sept. 18 2024. (Lily Russell)
The Boys and Girls Club Hopkinsville, 1600 Walnut Street unveils new teen center, Sept. 18 2024. (Lily Russell)
The Boys and Girls Club Hopkinsville, 1600 Walnut Street unveils new teen center, Sept. 18 2024. (Lily Russell)
The Boys and Girls Club Hopkinsville, 1600 Walnut Street unveils new teen center, Sept. 18 2024. (Lily Russell)
The Boys and Girls Club Hopkinsville, 1600 Walnut Street unveils new teen center, Sept. 18 2024. (Lily Russell)
The Boys and Girls Club Hopkinsville, 1600 Walnut Street unveils new teen center, Sept. 18 2024. (Lily Russell)

The FabLab gives teens access to 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC woodworking, screen printing, audio and video production, podcasting, and graphic design. Also included in the new area is an eSports Arena with a VR Lounge, and a coffee shop.

“I have been doing Boys & Girls work for 44 years. I have never seen a center like that with the FabLab,” said Wally Graffen, Regional Vice President of the Boys and Girls Club Midwestern Region. “I can only imagine what those kids are going to be doing and learning in there.”

In the future, the Boys and Girls Club plans to update security in the front of the building and build a separate wing for elementary age children. “We want to continue to expand the offerings we have and make it more available to our youth,” said Holly Bivins, Boys and Girls Club Board Chair. Terrence Davis added that the new renovation allows the club to serve twice as many kids as before.

The Teen Center is open to all teens enrolled in Grades 7-12. For more information, call the Boys and Girls Club, located at 1600 South Walnut Street at 270-887-4020.

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