Boys & Girls Clubs of America Celebrates $4 Million Donation from 9th Annual. In-Store Fundraiser Hosted by Ross Stores

Funds to Support Critical Youth Academic Success Programs as Afterschool Learning Gap Heightens

Posted 03/16/2023 by Boys & Girls Clubs of America in Partner News

Press Release

ATLANTA (March 16, 2023) - Today, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Ross Stores, Inc. announce a significant donation to support “Power Hour,” the youth development organization’s homework help and learning program, as the need for afterschool support programs increases. Together Ross Stores, Ross Stores Foundation, and its generous customers and associates helped to raise more than $4 million dollars during the 9th annual national in-store “Help Local Kids Learn” fundraiser that will enable kids in communities across the country to have access to “Power Hour.”

From February 11 to March 5, Ross customers were invited to take part in the fundraiser to support “Power Hour” at the local Club in their community, either by rounding up their purchase to the nearest dollar and donating the difference or making a donation of $1, $2, $5 or more. Donations made at the register were matched up to a total of $400,000, as one part of Ross’ contribution to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

The “Power Hour” tutoring program supports Club members ages 6-18 with the necessary competitive skills they need to enter and succeed in the workforce and higher education. As the national sponsor of “Power Hour,” Ross supports this vital program that encourages members to become self-directed learners while offering valuable support from trained Club professionals. “Boys & Girls Clubs of America is dedicated to ensuring all kids and teens have access to homework support, tutoring and other services that enhance their out-of-school learning,” said Chrissy Chen, National Director of Youth Development Programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Support like this from Ross Stores, not only equips Clubs with the necessary resources to help kids and teens succeed but allows today’s young people to reach their full potential.”

Marking nearly a 20% increase in funds raised during last year’s initiative, the retailer and youth development organization seek to continue strengthening their commitment to today’s youth as kids and teens navigate a post-pandemic world.

A recent Pew Research Center survey¹, suggests that about 61% of parents of K-12 students say the first year of the pandemic had a negative effect on their child’s education. Even over the last three decades, the need for afterschool programs has increased, which is why Boys & Girls Clubs of America has added more than 3,000 Clubs to communities across the nation. . Boys & Girls Clubs provide safe spaces, caring mentors and life-enhancing programs that put young people on the path to a great future. In fact, 93% of Boys & Girls Clubs members expect to graduate versus 86% of public high school teens.

“We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs and our commitment to supporting the academic achievement of youth in communities nationwide is stronger than ever,” says Leslie Oestreicher, Group Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability and Deputy Director Ross Stores Foundation. “Each year we are humbled and grateful for the unwavering support by our associates and customers who make impactful donations like this possible.”

For more than 15 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Ross have been working together to lead youth on their journey to academic success. Ross’ partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America is part of the company and its foundation’s philanthropic mission to prepare today’s youth for a bright tomorrow. Together with their generous customers and associates, they have donated more than $41 million dollars to support Clubs across the country.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For 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. Nearly 5,000 Clubs serve over 3.6 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. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and Twitter.