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.
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.