Opening the Door to Great Futures.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a national nonprofit that delivers evidence-informed programs to support academic success, character and leadership, health and well-being, and workforce readiness — through a network of more than 5,500 local Clubs reaching more than 4 million young people annually.
What Does Boys & Girls Clubs of America Do?
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) is a national nonprofit that provides safe, structured afterschool and summer programs for young people ages 6–18 through a network of more than 5,500 local Clubs. BGCA serves more than 4 million young people each year with evidence-based programming in academic success, health and well-being, character and leadership, and workforce readiness. Most programs are free or low-cost.
Local Clubs across the U.S., on Native lands & on military installations worldwide
BGCA 2024
Young people served each year
BGCA 2025
Of Club members expect to graduate high school
BGCA 2025
Economic benefits returned for every $1 invested
BGCA Economic Study
Parent Quick Start
Looking for a Club for your child? Start here.
How Do Boys & Girls Clubs Help Kids Succeed?
Our Four Outcome Pillars
Academic Success
Programs that strengthen academic achievement, support grade-level performance and school engagement, and prepare students for on-time graduation.
4-in-5 Club kids report getting mostly A’s and B’s because of the Club’s academic programs and support.
BGCA Youth Right Now Survey 2025
Health & Well-being
Opportunities that promote physical health, emotional well-being and positive decision-making through sports, nutrition education, and mental health support programs.
84% of Club high schoolers have never drunk alcohol vs. 54% of high schoolers nationally.
BGCA Youth Right Now Survey 2025
Character & Leadership
Experiences that build leadership skills, strengthen character and encourage meaningful community involvement through civic engagement and youth-led service.
78% of Club members help out at their Club, and 69% volunteered outside the Club in the last year.
BGCA Youth Right Now Survey 2025
Life & Workforce Readiness
Career exploration and skill-building programs that prepare teens for post-secondary education, meaningful employment, and long-term economic success.
97% of Club members expect to graduate high school and 88% of Club teens feel ready to get a job.
BGCA Youth Right Now Survey 2025
The Club Journey: From First Grade to First Job
Boys & Girls Clubs support young people through every critical stage of development — building the academic skills, healthy habits, leadership experience, and career readiness they need to thrive in life and work.
Early Learning
- Power Hour
- Project Learn
- Triple Play
- Summer Brain Gain
- Arts Programs
- Digital Literacy Essentials
BGCA Youth Right Now Survey 2025
Academic Support
- Computer Science Pathway
- Homework Help & Tutoring
- SMART Girls
- Healthy Habits
- Summer Brain Gain: READ!
- Sports & Recreation
BGCA Youth Right Now Survey 2025
Leadership Development
- Youth of the Year
- Torch Club
- Keystone Club
- Passport to Manhood
- Character & Leadership Programs
- Community Service
- Youth Advocacy
BGCA Youth Right Now Survey 2025
Workforce Readiness
- diplomas2Degrees
- Money Matters: Make It Count
- CareerLaunch
- MyFuture / Virtual Club
- College Prep
BGCA Youth Right Now Survey 2025
Safety & Belonging Come First.
Before any program can work, a young person must feel safe, seen and valued. Every Boys & Girls Club creates an environment of belonging — ensuring kids feel secure so they can learn, grow and lead.
BGCA Youth Right Now Survey 2025
What Programs Do Boys & Girls Clubs Offer?
Boys & Girls Clubs deliver evidence-based programs that help kids and teens thrive. From academic support and sports to the arts, leadership development, and workforce readiness, our programs are designed to meet young people at every stage of growth. Together, they create a high-quality Club Experience that prepares youth for lifelong success.
How Do Boys & Girls Clubs Measure Youth Outcomes?
Boys & Girls Clubs measure youth outcomes through a member survey conducted annually. This survey evaluates how well Club members are achieving positive results in academic success, character and leadership, health and well-being, and workforce readiness. It also gathers members’ views on the Club, known as the Club Experience. The survey data is compiled and analyzed to provide insights at both national and local levels, offering a clear picture of the effectiveness of BGCA programming and services.
Where We Serve: Clubs in Every Community
Locally operated Boys & Girls Clubs are present in all 50 states. Altogether, they provide afterschool and summer programming for millions of young people annually in cities, schools and rural areas across the country.
Boy & Girls Club-affiliated Youth Centers have supported the children of U.S. Armed Services members for over 35 years, with dedicated programs on military bases and installations worldwide.
Dedicated Clubs serve Native youth with culturally affirming, community-informed programs that honor heritage while preparing the next generation for college, career and leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) is a national nonprofit operating more than 5,500 Club locations across the U.S. Clubs provide safe, supervised afterschool and summer programs for youth ages 6–18, focusing on academic success, health and well-being, character and leadership, and workforce readiness. Most programs are free or low-cost. Boys & Girls Clubs have operated for over 165 years, with BGCA serving more than 4 million young people annually.
Boys & Girls Clubs serve young people ages 6 through 18, with programming tailored to each developmental stage. Elementary-age members (6–12) focus on academics, healthy habits, and social development. Teen members (13–18) access leadership programs, career exploration, mental health support, and post-secondary preparation.
BGCA’s workforce readiness programs — including CareerLaunch, diplomas2Degrees, Keystone Club, and Youth of the Year — give teens ages 13–18 the skills, credentials and connections needed for life after high school. 97% of Club members expect to graduate and 81% of Club seniors have applied for post-secondary education.
Yes. Safety is foundational. Every Club requires background checks for all staff and volunteers, mandatory safety training, and adherence to national child safety standards. BGCA maintains a multi-layered safety framework governing all 5,500+ affiliated Clubs.
Unlike single-focus programs, Boys & Girls Clubs integrate all youth development areas — academic, physical, social, emotional and professional — into year-round, evidence-informed programming from early childhood through post-secondary readiness. This comprehensive model is delivered and continuously improved by trained professionals at 5,500+ locations, backed by 165+ years of community presence.
