Developing Leaders Through Boys and Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has enabled young people, especially those who need Clubs most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, some 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve more than 4.2 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs can be found throughout the country and on U.S. military installations worldwide, providing young people 6-18 years old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, professional staff.
Key programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; technology training; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family outreach. According to a three-year study conducted by Columbia University, communities with Boys & Girls Clubs had significantly lower juvenile crime rates, drug activity and violence compared to communities without a Club. Additionally, in a Harris Survey of Club alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. While studies like these validate the importance of BGCA, it is the personal testimonies of members that truly show the positive impact Clubs have on millions of lives.
I joined my local Boys & Girls Club in Fort Smith Arkansas when I was a young girl. Eventually, I represented my Club in BGCA’s Youth of the Year program, where I proceeded to win the Youth of the Year title for the state of Arkansas, and then for the entire Southwest Region. Through this recognition, BGCA provided me with numerous opportunities that have enriched my life. I met with President George W. Bush in the oval office to discuss BGCA and spoke to Congress about my experiences with the organization. I served as an ambassador in Turkey and Germany where I introduced new programs to Boys & Girls Clubs on U.S. Air Force Bases and was honored by FreedomCorps as the “Volunteer of the Year” for 3,000 hours of community service. In addition, I was able to spend time with BGCA spokesperson, Denzel Washington.
We all have a responsibility to invest in the lives of young people, and supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of America will ensure that this organization can continue to develop generations of strong leaders.
Click HERE to find a local Club
Key programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; technology training; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family outreach. According to a three-year study conducted by Columbia University, communities with Boys & Girls Clubs had significantly lower juvenile crime rates, drug activity and violence compared to communities without a Club. Additionally, in a Harris Survey of Club alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. While studies like these validate the importance of BGCA, it is the personal testimonies of members that truly show the positive impact Clubs have on millions of lives.
I joined my local Boys & Girls Club in Fort Smith Arkansas when I was a young girl. Eventually, I represented my Club in BGCA’s Youth of the Year program, where I proceeded to win the Youth of the Year title for the state of Arkansas, and then for the entire Southwest Region. Through this recognition, BGCA provided me with numerous opportunities that have enriched my life. I met with President George W. Bush in the oval office to discuss BGCA and spoke to Congress about my experiences with the organization. I served as an ambassador in Turkey and Germany where I introduced new programs to Boys & Girls Clubs on U.S. Air Force Bases and was honored by FreedomCorps as the “Volunteer of the Year” for 3,000 hours of community service. In addition, I was able to spend time with BGCA spokesperson, Denzel Washington.
We all have a responsibility to invest in the lives of young people, and supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of America will ensure that this organization can continue to develop generations of strong leaders.
Click HERE to find a local Club