Unleashing Inner Superheroes: Boys & Girls Clubs Spark Kids’ Creativity & Career Dreams with Help from DC

Imagination has spawned some of the most iconic DC Super Heroes of our childhood: Superman, Supergirl, Batman. When given the right tools, encouragement and space to imagine, young people can also tap into their own power to shape their futures.

That’s why, together, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, DC and Discovery Education scaled the DC Superpowered Storytellers program. What started from early pilots in the Los Angeles area launched into a national initiative, reaching Clubs and schools across the country.

At Boys & Girls Clubs, art is more than an afterschool activity; it’s a powerful tool for development. According to our annual survey, 72% of Club kids can communicate their thoughts and feelings through art while 55% are interested in exploring future careers in the arts.

DC Superpowered Storytellers invites youth to do both by stepping into the world of comics. Through hands-on activities, Club kids build storytelling skills, participate in events like Batman Day, and are exposed to career possibilities through opportunities like visiting the Warner Bros. studio lot. Club staff also receive training to help bring youth stories to life, such as exploring illustration techniques and comic book components.

With this foundation, kids and teens are empowered to express themselves and share their ideas with confidence.

Humble Beginnings in Burbank Boys & Girls Clubs

The Boys & Girls Club of Burbank and Greater East Valley was one of the first hubs of DC Superpowered Storytellers. Club leaders like Rashawn immediately recognized the potential of a program that blended creativity, literacy and the excitement of the DC universe. “Our relationship with Warner Bros. has been a longstanding partnership, spanning over 25 years as a local community collaborator,” Rashawn shared.

Club program participants started with guided lesson plans. “Create Your Own Comic Book” helped them visually and verbally express their ideas while the “Superpower of Story Virtual Field Trip” took them behind the scenes at DC’s headquarters to learn how professional storytellers spur their favorite DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains into action.

These activities encourage youth to think critically, collaborate with peers, and explore new ways of self-expression, allowing them to create stories centered around their own experiences.

“What I enjoyed most about the program was creating something from scratch. It changed how I think about storytelling, helping me become more confident about sharing my art.” — Grace, Club kid

On Batman Day, an annual global celebration of DC’s Caped Crusader, Club kids examined what it means to be a hero by exploring values embodied by the Dark Knight — bravery, problem solving, creativity — and reflecting on how these qualities show up in their lives. This celebration reinforced the core message of DC Superpowered Storytellers: Every young person has a story worth telling and a superpower worth sharing.

Expanding Superpowered Storytelling to Youth Nationwide & Inspiring Future Careers

After the pilot’s success, DC Superpowered Storytellers is now accessible to schools and Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, offering lesson plans, activities and training materials that enable more youth to build confidence and spark imagination.

The partnership also creates unique opportunities for young people to explore future career pathways in the entertainment industry. For instance, this summer, DC’s President, Publisher and Chief Creative Officer, Jim Lee, spoke with youth from the Burbank Club about storytelling, illustration and careers in comics.

Additionally, on June 10, 2026, DC invited over 230 youth from L.A. community and education organizations, including nearly eighty from Burbank and Pasadena Boys & Girls Clubs, for a unique “Studio Day” on the Warner Bros. Lot. Attendees got a behind-the-scenes tour of the studio, visited the new Superman Experience, and took part in Super Hero-inspired creative activities, including designing their own comic covers and a masterclass with Jim Lee.

For many young people, opportunities like this inspire great futures, as they begin to see themselves not only as storytellers but as creators, innovators and leaders.

“This experience has inspired me to become an animator, so I can get all my stories in front of other people.” — Mishka, Club kid

While also fostering confidence, resilience and personal growth that extend far beyond creative skills.

“Working with Jim Lee not only helped improve my art skills, but grow on a personal level. I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to be part of something like this.” — Sharon, Club kid

Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery creates more opportunities for youth to embrace their stories and different paths to success. Learn more about the DC Superpowered Storytellers program and find a Boys & Girls Club near you to explore more afterschool activities that set youth up for great futures.