Highlights from the Inaugural Council’s Work
During the 2025-2026 school year, the 11 members of the inaugural National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC) made a deep, positive impact through many contributions. BGCA is grateful for their partnership, commitment and hard work in building the NYAC.
From left to right: Holden J., Boys & Girls Club of Benton County, Arkansas.; Marley G., Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, Texas; Sophia F., Sarah Heinz House, Pennsylvania; Crystal L., John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton, Massachusetts; Brook’Lynn H., Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota; Britany G., Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada; Jakeclaude M., Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, Florida; Jacquelyn F., Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena, California; Natalia S-R., JBG Lewis-McChord CYS Services, Washington; Makia W., Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff, Arizona; Serigne B., Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, Georgia.
Advising on New Programs and Resources for Clubs
NYAC members collaborated with various BGCA teams in 10 monthly virtual meetings, providing input on the development of:
- Programs and activities designed for Club staff to deliver to young people in the areas of character and leadership development, essential skill building, and life and workforce readiness;
- Onboarding, training and other resources to help staff strengthen their youth development and programming practices and enhance the Club environment;
- Survey questions for youth outcome measurement and guidance on engaging youth in using such data for planning and quality improvement; and
- A logo and other visual branding for the NYAC.
Bringing Youth Voice to BGCA Leaders
Members raised awareness of the NYAC by meeting with BGCA leaders, sharing their perspectives, experiences and ideas to help shape BGCA’s future.
BGCA National Board of Governors Meeting, June 2026
NYAC members Brook’Lynn from Boys & Girls Club of Central Minnesota, Holden from Boys & Girls Club of Benton County, Marley from Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, Natalia from JBG Lewis-McChord CYS Services, Makia from Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff, Serigne from Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, and Sophia from Sarah Heinz House met virtually with BGCA’s Board of Governors. They discussed the Council’s purpose, its impact across the national network so far, and the importance of including young people in conversations that help inform organizational strategy and decision making.
BGCA National Conference, April 2026
Brook’Lynn from Boys & Girls Club of Central Minnesota and Crystal from John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton joined futurist Sinead Bovell for a general session panel discussion focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and education. Brook’Lynn and Crystal shared thoughtful perspectives on how teens are actually using AI in their everyday lives and what kinds of guidance and support young people need as AI becomes more integrated into education and society.
BGCA National Board of Governors Meeting, December 2025
Jacquelyn from Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena and Natalia from JBG Lewis-McChord CYS Services represented the NYAC and young people in their Club and Youth Center in a panel discussion with board members. They answered questions about their life experiences and aspirations, their work on the NYAC and how Clubs and Youth Centers can more effectively serve young people.
BGCA National Staff Meeting, October 2025
Makia from Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff inspired BGCA’s national staff in a “Mission Moment” at a virtual monthly meeting. Makia, who is a citizen of the Navajo Nation and a Northern Arizona University student, shared details about her cultural heritage, her Club experience, her educational goals and why the NYAC work was important to her.
Building Youth Advocacy Skills
NYAC members published blogs on issues they care about.
Raising Awareness of Clubs and their Impact on Youth
Three NYAC members were featured in national BGCA stories highlighting their leadership, passions and the impact of their Club experiences.
Congratulations to the members of the inaugural NYAC on their stellar year of service!
