Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC - Feb. 13, 2019 – Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s President and CEO Jim Clark was appointed to serve as a member on the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board, established by the White House. Boys & Girls Clubs of America is the only youth-serving nonprofit organization on the Board and joins 24 members including the CEOs of Apple and Walmart as well as Advisory Board Co-Chairs U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and Presidential Adviser Ivanka Trump. Comprised of representatives from the public, private, education, labor, and not-for-profit sectors, Advisory Board members will focus on expanding new opportunities training, and workforce development for Americans of all ages.

“Boys & Girls Clubs believe every young person has the potential for success and deserves every opportunity to prepare for life and career,” said Clark. “Each day, we are working to address the skills and readiness gaps presently facing our nation’s youth and workforce. We look forward to serving as a voice and champion for America’s youth and their role as the country’s next generation of workers.”

The Board will shape a comprehensive National workforce strategy to guarantee that America’s current and future workforce have access to vital education and training opportunities that equip them with the skills necessary to participate and succeed in the workforce. By 2020, 60 percent of all jobs will require education and/or training beyond high school, and if the lack of a skilled workforce is not addressed the U.S. economy will face a shortage of 5 million workers. Many U.S. employers say the inability to find qualified workers is their biggest obstacle to growth. With the skills gap as a driving force, the Board will work to put forward an innovative and accessible course of action that empowers workers and further strengthens America’s economy.   

Serving more than 4 million youth at 4,300 sites, Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. Clubs advance the development of 21st century leadership skills in youth across America, ensuring the next generation is college or career ready when they graduate high school. Presently, 86 percent of Club teens expect to attend college and more than twice as many 12th-grade Club members express an interest in a STEM career compared to 12th-graders nationally. Clubs equip youth with the soft and hard skills they need to succeed in the workforce and create access to partnerships for real-life experiences to explore career options. Boys & Girls Clubs spark interest in career exploration and empower youth everywhere to graduate from high school with a plan for the future.

For more information on Boys & Girls Clubs workforce programming, click here.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,300 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at Facebook and Twitter.

Media Contacts

Amy Becker
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
202-507-6671
abecker@bgca.org

Sara Leutzinger
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
404-487-5624
sleutzinger@bgca.org