Programs.

A positive academic environment has been created to help members succeed in school. Staff works closely with youngsters to encourage them to complete daily homework assignments, receive tutoring help and participate in other education-enhancing activities. This program is designed to raise members' academic proficiency.

This strategy is based on research demonstrating that students do much better in school when they spend their non-school hours engaged in fun, but academically beneficial, activities. Through Project Learn, Club staff use all the areas and programs in the Club to create opportunities for these high-yield learning activities, which include leisure reading, writing activities, discussions with knowledgeable adults, helping others, homework help, tutoring and games (such as Scrabble), that develop young people’s cognitive skills.

The Keystone Club is a small group that meets weekly and conducts at least one activity per year in each of six core areas: service to Club and community, leadership skills development, education and career exploration, unity, free enterprise and social recreation. Members receive training and opportunities for helping others with decision-making, schoolwork and personal issues. Members also participate in quarterly community beautification projects such as neighbourhood and park clean-ups and landscaping.

This chartered small-group leadership skills development program for youngsters focuses on Club and community service, education, athletics and fun.

Service to Club and community, academic performance and contributions to family and spiritual life are promoted and recognized in this year-round program.Participation culminates in the Youth of the Year local competition. Local winners compete at the state level and may advance to the national finals.

BGCA’s premier job-readiness and career-preparation program offers a variety of activities to hone teens’ decision-making, problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities—important skills for workplace success. Youth get the chance to explore various careers based on their interests and talents, determine the corresponding educational path they need to pursue, and map out a plan for their future.

Money Matters promotes financial responsibility and independence among Club members by building their basic money management skills. Participants learn how to manage a checking account, budget, save and invest. They also learn about starting small businesses and paying for college.

Boys & Girls Clubs challenge members to become healthy and active by learning new ways to eat nutritionally, manage stress, maintain physical fitness and form positive relationships with peers. This component boosts Clubs’ physical activities to a higher level by providing sports and fitness programs, activities and sports competitions for all boys and girls, whether they are athletically inclined or not. Club youth of every age have the chance to have fun playing longer and harder at a variety of games.