T-Shirts That Tell a Story: Club Kids’ Futures Come to Life with Carter’s
With just a blank sheet of paper and markers, a child’s doodle can become a portrait of possibilities!
This spirit of imagination, creativity and growth embodies the Great Futures Design Contest, a new youth arts program from Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Supported by Carter’s partnership, this contest is turning three Club Kids’ original artwork into limited-edition t-shirts.
Not only are this year’s winning artists, Cole, Joanna and Katherine, creating wearable art, they are sharpening skills for successful futures.
Youth T-Shirt Inspiration: Comics, Cooking & Culture
ColeAmong the many Club activities Cole enjoys, drawing is his favorite. At Boys & Girls Clubs of East County in California, the 11-year-old member has dedicated hours to his “Detective Joe” comic book series, even encouraging his peers to create their own comics.
“I love creating art because I can put all my feelings into it,” says Cole.
Cole’s winning t-shirt design was inspired by a conversation with his father about his passion for science and dream of becoming an author or video game designer. Though a bit nervous about being in the spotlight, Cole is excited to see his artwork on a Carter’s t-shirt that will be worn by thousands of youth.
JoannaOn the East Coast at Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, Joanna, age 10, also can’t believe her art will be worn by kids her age. Joanna’s t-shirt design is a colorful snapshot of her passions, including her love for animals and her dream of becoming a cook and an artist who creates art with food. She draws inspiration from her mom and sister, both talented artists, and her brother, who loves cooking.
“The Great Futures Design Contest let me put my imagination onto paper,” Joanna says. “Plus, we get to use so many amazing materials to create whatever we imagine.”
KatherineAdditionally, Katherine enjoys channeling her inner Frida Kahlo to express emotions she’s sometimes too shy to share. The 12-year-old member of Boys & Girls Club of South County takes pride in incorporating color, emotion and cultural meaning into her designs. Though she dreams of becoming an attorney, Katherine insists that art will always be a part of her life.
“One day, I hope my art will be recognized and appreciated around the world,” Katherine shares. “My Club makes me feel special. Here, people listen and teach me that I can achieve anything I imagine.”
Ahead of the Curve: Why Club Kids Are Tomorrow’s Innovators
Cole, Joanna and Katherine aren’t the only artists emerging from Boys & Girls Clubs. With support from organizations like Carter’s, Club Kids nationwide have access to safe environments, resources and mentorship for youth arts programs.
“Our visual arts program enables more youth in the community to free their creativity with a variety of materials at their fingertips,” says Thea McRae, an education director at Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. “It’s all about inspiring kids to try new things and pursue what they love.”
Boys & Girls Club art programs also empower youth to grow essential career skills, such as confidence, clear communication and resilience. National youth surveys by Boys & Girls Clubs of America reveal:
- 7-in-10 Club Kids can communicate their emotions or feelings through art.
- 88% of Club Kids can express their thoughts or ideas clearly and think of different ways to solve a problem.
- Half of Club Kids are interested in pursuing careers in the arts.
From music to theater to visual arts, Boys & Girls Clubs’ after-school and summer arts education go beyond crafts, shaping a future workforce of clear, expressive leaders.
Tees with a Mission: Supporting Youth Arts Programs
Starting August 20, Carter’s will unveil a new collection of youth t-shirts featuring designs by Cole, Joanna and Katherine. Seeing their work amplified to an audience of their peers sends a clear message: that their ideas matter, their creativity has value and their potential is limitless.
The impact doesn’t stop there. $5 from every Carter’s t-shirt purchase, along with 100% of customer donations, will also help fund arts education and early learning programs at Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide. Purchase your shirt at Carters.com/BGCA
Meanwhile, after-school programs like the Great Futures Design Contest will help Boys & Girls Clubs keep doing what matters most: empowering the next generation of compassionate, creative and resilient leaders. Just picture it — we certainly can!
About Carter’s, Inc.
Carter’s, Inc. is North America’s largest and most-enduring apparel company exclusively for babies and young children. The Company’s core brands are Carter’s and OshKosh B’gosh, iconic and among the sector’s most trusted names. These brands are sold through more than 1,000 Company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, and Mexico online at www.carters.com, www.oshkosh.com, www.cartersoshkosh.ca, and www.carters.com.mx. Carter’s also is the largest supplier of baby and young children’s apparel to North America’s biggest retailers. The Company’s Child of Mine brand is available exclusively at Walmart, its Just One You brand is available at Target, and its Simple Joys brand is available on Amazon.com. The Company’s emerging brands include Little Planet, crafted with organic fabrics and sustainable materials, Otter Avenue, a toddler-focused apparel brand, and Skip Hop, baby essentials from tubs to toys. Carter’s is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Additional information may be found at www.carters.com.
Opening the Door to Tomorrow’s Leaders
America needs Club Kids. They’re the next artists, engineers and change-makers, building futures we all need. Help more kids discover their greatness at Boys & Girls Clubs. Because when you open the door to a Club, you’re opening the door to a better future for us all.
