Backstretch workers at Churchill Downs will soon be able to improve their education and English language skills at the Klein Family Learning Center, an initiative sponsored by the Kentucky Derby Museum; owners Richard, Elaine, and Bertram Klein; and WinStar Farm.

Churchill's former racing office on the backstretch will be renovated to accommodate the learning center, which officials hope to open in time for the track's fall race meeting, they said at a news conference on Tuesday.

"The Kleins decided to give something back because of their success in the game in order to make the lifestyles of the backside employees better, and in turn make the lives of the horses better," said Alex Rankin, Kentucky Derby Museum president. "It will be a model for other racing venues."

Consistently ranked among the leading owners at Churchill Downs, the Kleins have campaigned such graded stakes winners as Allamerican Bertie, Outofthebox, and Hurricane Bertie. They are also known for their dedication to community service, including the initial gift that launched the learning center.

The first phase of the learning center involves a $200,000 renovation to turn the office into a center featuring the WinStar Library, which will contain books in English and Spanish. Seminars, wellness programs, life skills programs such as how to balance a checkbook, movies, and music will be provided to backstretch workers and their families at the center.

The second phase entails the development of a career academy that will help workers improve their English and obtain a high school equivalency diploma. The center's employees and volunteers will work in both classroom settings and one-on-one with backstretch workers.

"I'm honored to be here and participate in an effort to enable backstretch workers improve their education and further their future endeavors," said Richard Klein. "Racing has been good to our family. It's a pleasure to give back to it."

"This will create an alternative to the beer joints and pool rooms, and give workers a resource to try and educate themselves," said Bill Casner, co-owner of WinStar Farm and a former backstretch worker himself.

Other supporters of the center include the Louisville Free Public Library, Barnes and Noble bookstore, the Race for Education, Churchill Downs, and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.—Laura Proctor