Our Approach

Boys & Girls Clubs provide a place where all youth, no matter their circumstances, can make great discoveries about themselves and engage in educational and recreational activities.And it’s all done in safe environments and led by positive role models and leaders.

We meet kids and teens where they are and help them to take steps forward to reach their potential. By focusing on safety, academic support and character development, we’re helping youth find – and achieve – brighter futures.

0%
of low income Club members ages 12 to 17 expect to graduate from high school
0%
of teen-aged Club members expect to complete some kind of post-secondary education
0%
of teen-aged Club members expect to complete a four-year college degree or higher

Out-of-school time – after school and summer – is the most critical and overlooked opportunity to help youth reach their full potential and have a great future. At Boys & Girls Clubs, we offer academic programs and hands-on learning opportunities that complement and reinforce what kids learn in school. Our programs let kids and teens explore interests at their own pace and equip them with skills they’ll need to advance from kindergarten to 12th grade, and graduate from high school on time, ready to succeed in college, the military or a career.

ARTS
Fewer than half of all public schools offer visual arts programs. Studies show that those engaged in the arts have an increased desire and ability to learn. Participating in arts programs enhances academic performance and promotes communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity, all of which are vital 21st century skills. BGCA offers quality, affordable arts programming to increase young people’s chances to excel in school.

STEM
Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) jobs in the U.S. are expected to grow nearly twice as fast as other fields by 2018. Kids and teens need these skills to compete in a global economy. BGCA’s STEM programs empower young people, especially girls and minority youth, to create new solutions to real-world challenges and become the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.

SUMMER LEARNING
Three out of four young people in the U.S do not participate in summer learning programs. Lack of participation causes the average student to lose approximately one month of learning; most students from low-income families lose two to three months of learning. To increase kids’ chances of on-time grade progression and high school graduation, BGCA developed Summer Brain Gain, a summer learning loss prevention program. While the average low-income U.S. student lost at least two months of learning last summer, the average Summer Brain Gain participant did not.

The Education and Career Development program enables youth to become proficient in basic education disciplines, apply learning to everyday situations and utilize technology to excel in a career. Examples are: Power Hour, Ultimate Journey, Job Ready, Reading Programs, Club Tech and “Goals For Graduation.”

Our Programs

Boys & Girls Clubs are committed to helping youth become responsible, caring citizens and to acquire skills for participating in the democratic process. Through the programs that BGC offers, youth will also develop leadership skills and will have opportunities for planning, decision-making, contributing to their Club and community, and celebrating our national heritage.

Featured Programs

Power Hour program provides the Club members with resources and strategies that encourages self-direct learning and high-yield learning activities.

Job Ready program is sponsored by the Taco Bell Foundation and prepares Club members ages 15 ~ 18 learn how to identify job opportunities, write effective resumes, perform well in interviews, dress appropriately, and develop good work habits.

This program creates opportunities for “high-yield learning” and improves reading, English, history, and science grades.

This award winning program environmental program provides Club members with discovery-based activities and reinforces math and science skills.

This program equips Club members with basic and advance technological skills needed to excel in school and the job market.

“Goals For Graduation” introduces the concept of academic goal setting for Club members ages 6 ~ 17. This program which is sponsored by JC Penny After School, helps youth to make connections between their aspirations for the future.

Leadership Programs

Studies show that young people who engage in service do better in school, maintain positive relationships with adults and avoid risky behaviors. BGCA’s Million Members, Million Hours of Service efforts will help Boys & Girls Clubs increase the number of youth participating in volunteer and service projects to 1 million members each donating at least one hour of service in a single year.

Torch Clubs are chartered, small-group leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 11 to 13. A Torch Club is a powerful vehicle through which Club staff can help meet the special character development needs of younger adolescents at a critical stage in their life.

Keystoning is the Boys & Girls Club Movement’s ultimate teen program. This unique leadership development experience provides opportunities for young people ages 14 to 18. Youth participate, both in and out of the Club, in activities in three focus areas: academic success, career preparation and community service. With the guidance of an adult advisor, Keystone Clubs aim to have a positive impact on members, the Club and community.

Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club teens. Club members who earn the youth of the Year title embody the values of leadership service; academic excellence; and healthy lifestyles.

Wellness Programs

The Sports, Fitness, and Recreation and Health program develops fitness, positive use of leisure time, skills for stress management and social skills. Examples are team sports, fitness testing, aerobic activities, athletic leagues, tournaments, game room activities and special social events.

The Health and Life Skills program develops young people’s capacity to engage in positive behaviors that feature their own well being, set personal goals and live successfully as self sufficient adults. Examples are SMART Moves, Street SMART, SMART Girls, Broader Horizons, Goals for Growth, and health and prevention programs.

SMART Moves helps young people resist alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, as well as premature sexual activity. The program features engaging, interactive small group activities designed to increase participant’s peer support, and enhance their leadership skills.This is a paragraph. To change the text, simply click and start typing.

A health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement program for girls ages 10 ~ 15.

A training program designed to help young people effectively resist gangs and violence, resolve conflicts and be positive peer helpers in their communities.

This program involves targeted outreach with a special gang prevention and intervention initiative.
Check out our Virtual Activities

Our Results

0%
of teens age 16 and older are LESS LIKELY to consume alcohol
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of teens age 16 and older are MORE LIKELY to attend college
0%
of teens age 16 and older experience a positive amount of physical activity
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of teens age 13-15 are LESS LIKELY to engage in physical fights
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of teens age 13-15 are MORE LIKELY to volunteer in the community
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of teens age 13 to 15 are LESS LIKELY to skip school when being at the club twice a week or more
0%
of youths age 9 to 12 are MORE LIKELY to graduate high school