Boys & Girls Clubs of America Celebrates $450,000 Contribution from San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to Support Native Youth
Press Release
ATLANTA (December 1, 2023) – Boys & Girls Clubs of America today announced an inspiring gift from San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, creating pathways to a better future through education for Native young people. The investment will support 14 local Native Boys & Girls Clubs statewide in California, providing 1,400 youth with evidence-informed educational programming created from Native youths’ unique cultural, social, environmental, emotional, intellectual, and physical dimensions.
“We are honored to support and partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to support them in providing culturally relevant programs that honor unique Native identity across California. The youth are our future and how we empower them with the tools that form their identity is critical. Clubs are uniquely positioned to determine what tools and programs are most beneficial, reflecting the unique facets of each community to empower Native youth on a pathway to achieve academic success,” said San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America is the largest Native youth service provider in the nation, with nearly 250 Clubs reaching over 120,000 Native youth in American Indian, Alaska Native, American Samoan, and Hawaiian tribal communities. Native Clubs prioritize the well-being of youth, families and communities through culture, life-enhancing programs and mentorship that fosters resiliency for Native young people and meets the unique needs of the community.
“We are grateful for the generosity of San Manual Band of Mission Indians supporting academic success for Native young people. Our Clubs celebrate the unique strengths of Native communities and work in partnership with tribes to support youth in being resilient, healthy, and successful. This tremendous gift signals a strong commitment to Native communities across California,” said Carla Knapp, National Vice President of Native Services for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
To learn more about how to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America visit www.bgca.org and to learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs on Native lands visit www.naclubs.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,200 Clubs serve 3.3 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. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
Media Contacts
Eliza Lynch
Director of Public Relations
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
203-522-7010
elynch@bgca.org
