The Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) is a nationwide organization that began in 1860 with three women in Hartford, Connecticut. They organized the first Club "believing that boys who roamed the streets should have a positive alternate". With character development as the cornerstone of the experience, the Club focused on capturing boys interests, improving their behavior and increasing their personal expectations and goals.
Today, Boys and Girls Clubs serve around 3.6 million young people in a typical year, 1.7 million through membership and 1.9 million through community outreach in nearly 5,000 facilities.
BGCA supports local Boys and Girls Clubs to provide a fun, safe, inclusive, affordable, and constructive environment for children and teens during out-of-school hours. Clubs serve small towns, large metropolitan areas, public housing communities, Native populations, and U.S. military installations worldwide. Programs within the Clubs are tailored to the local community and customized for each age group.
Every child matters. They all deserve opportunity. We are here to elevate them and let them know that they are capable, worthy, and important. That’s why we make this promise: to prove to the world that every child and teen has what it takes to achieve a great future.
Boys and Girls Clubs do not only serve students from particular groups and/or economic backgrounds—rather, any students that seek greater opportunities and relationships are welcome!
To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
A Boys & Girls Club provides:
Provide a world-class experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.
We are a youth development organization with skilled, caring professionals who understand where every kid comes from and help them shape their path toward a great future!
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