Research shows high-quality youth development programs improve youth outcomes including school attendance, engagement in learning, test scores and grades. At Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), we know out-of-school time programming has the power to create positive change, providing role models and dynamic activities to support kids in reaching their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
While as a nation, we’ve increased our investment in early-childhood and higher education, the value of out-of-school time — serving youth in grades K-12 — is largely unprioritized. As a uniquely qualified advocate, BGCA champions opportunities for all youth in America — ensuring their voices are heard in their communities and at the state and federal level. Thought leaders, elected officials, policymakers and media know Clubs are a priority partner in keeping their communities safe and prospering economically by leveraging:
Our national scale of more than 4,700 Clubs in every community in America and on U.S. military installations across the globe serve 4.3 million kids and teens in a typical year.
Our network of millions of local and national volunteers, advocates and Club alumni, poised to build authentic and connected relationships with elected officials.
Our data and insights on America's kids and teens, including the National Youth Outcomes Initiative, the largest privately-held data set on young people.
To tackle the challenges facing our nation’s youth, we advocate for every community to provide access to high-quality out-of-school time programs and experiences that equip young people with the tools they need to succeed.
Our advocacy work builds awareness and understanding of the importance of out-of-school time and youth development as economic, moral and national imperatives.
We ensure local Clubs are respected, authentic and effective advocates in the communities they serve by:
Through advocacy, we’re maximizing our impact on the kids and teens we currently serve, while growing to reach and serve more youth than ever before.
For any questions involving BGCA advocacy or for assistance in coordinating your own advocacy campaigns on behalf of America’s youth, contact the BGCA Government Relations staff by emailing advocacy@bgca.org.
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