Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston

MISSION: To help at-risk boys and girls develop the qualities needed to become responsible citizens and leaders. DESCRIPTION: Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) provides a safe haven, adult role models, and a variety of programs that support the educational, emotional, physical, and social development of youth, without regard to social, racial, ethnic, or religious background. BGCB serves nearly 14,000 children and teens, ages 6 to 18, in its Clubs, and through its programs and partnerships. The approach focuses on six core initiatives: Arts; Education; Leadership; Life Skills; Sports, Fitness and Recreation; and Technology. During the summer, many of its Clubs run summer camp programs for children and leadership programs for teens. IMPACT: Research shows that the biggest single predictor of a child's future success is the presence in their life of at least one non-parent adult. Youth who have positive adult relationships are: • More motivated to learn and do better in school. • Have a better sense of themselves and their future. • Accept and take responsibility for themselves and others. • More resilient and less likely to engage in risky behavior. 57% of Boys & Girls Club alumni say that participating in a Club "saved my life."