Solutions and Answers

The crises affecting our children impact every community within our nation. While these statistics regarding our youth are alarming, there is hope.

A recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive cites the experiences of Boys & Girls Club alumni as living proof of the hope Boys & Girls Clubs offer. The alumni survey reveals some 67 percent of Club alumni attribute their ability to avoid difficulty with the law to the influence of Club staff, and 67 percent also say the Club is where they learned how to "say no" to drugs and alcohol.

Also noted in the survey, some 28 percent of respondents report they would have dropped out of high school if not for the Club. Another 51 percent achieved a higher level of education than they thought possible because of attending their Club.

Of the alumni surveyed, 80 percent said that their Club experience made a positive impact on their attitude toward fitness and health, with 74 percent participating in organized sports.

While many African-American youth are struggling to succeed, some 73 percent of African-American male Club alumni said the "Club saved my life." Most impressive – 34 percent of African-American Boys & Girls Club male alumni earned a four-year college degree, compared to the national rate of only 16 percent.

While so many of our nation's young people are dropping out of high school, succumbing to drugs/alcohol or losing the fight against poor nutrition and/or exercise, many Boys & Girls Club alumni thrive. In fact, they are Living Proof that Clubs work. Learn why here. (6.8MB PDF)