As a nation we’ve been through a lot of uncertainty, fear, and consternation over the last year and-a-half. These challenges effect everyone in different ways, and unfortunately our kids and teens are not immune to this pain. The impact felt from COVID-19 - whether it was a change in family dynamics of a parent or caretaker’s health, employment status, or housing situation - were profound. Reduced peer and leader interactions due to virtual schooling, limited extra-curricular opportunities, or socialization have further impacted the lives of boys and girls on a daily basis. Together we face new realities, questions and challenges. 

As we look to return to a new normal, Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a pioneer in understanding social and emotional development (SED) at the core of high-quality youth development and growth, including essential skills needed for success in school, career and life. SED can have a significant impact on how youth grow and mature, including their readiness to learn, self-confidence, behavior and academic performance. Socially and emotionally competent youth are more likely to succeed in school and in life.  

Thanks to a multi-year partnership with Kohl’s, Boys & Girls Clubs of America is implementing programming at Clubs to promote and empower social and emotional development. Kohl’s partnership supports specialized trainings for Club staff and mentors by integrating social and emotional learning throughout Clubs. These skills are critical in everyday life from communicating and effectively working with others, to developing coping mechanisms for life’s unplanned situations. 

Collaboratively we are building and nurturing young people’s social and emotional skills to prepare them to be positive and contributing members of their community. Schools have traditionally focused their energy on hard skills over soft skills, and as young people seek some sense of normalcy, now more than ever they face an increasing need for social and emotional skill development. 

Not all youth have access to resources and experiences to practice social and emotional skills on a consistent basis. Boys & Girls Clubs across the country are leveling the playing field by providing more youth, especially those who don’t have equal access, to safe and positive environments where social and emotional skill development isn’t a priority. Thanks to support from Kohl's Cares; where donations are made possible through Kohl’s philanthropic merchandise program, Kohl’s Cares®, which sells children’s books and toys and donates 100 percent of the net profit to charitable organizations nationwide that improve the health and wellness of families.

Click here to learn more about Kohl’s commitment to BGCA and SED.