Priority Outcomes That Determine Our Programming
Other Programs & Resources
STEM
Boys & Girls Clubs of America aims to close the STEM opportunity gap through innovative programs, activities, and resources for Clubs and youth. After-school and summer settings promote STEM learning and career interest, emphasizing the link between theory, application, and members' interactions with scientific principles.
Power Hour
This important program helps Club members ages 5-18 achieve academic success by providing homework help, tutoring and high-yield learning activities. This program operates every day after school and members are encouraged to become self-directed learners. Participants’ progress is tracked and rewarded.
Read & Dream Book Club
Launched in 2022, Read & Dream is a literacy program that expands the reach of our academic success program by increasing access to a variety of educational materials. In 2026, we are excited to revitalize this program across our Clubs and Early Learning Centers. We're adding some friendly competition to see which Club or Center reads the most each school year.
Named after Marjie Nistad, a dedicated elementary teacher for over 33 years, the program honors her passion for education and her family's pride in continuing her legacy.
Money Matters
Money Matters programming gives kids a foundation in financial literacy so they can make decisions today that positively impact their future.
For over 20 years, Money Matters: Make it Count has taught teens how to set goals, budget, save, and invest. In addition to staff-led financial literacy sessions, young people practice their financial decision-making skills through fun, engaging digital tools and games. Teens who complete Money Matters show improved financial management skills, including saving money and sticking to a budget.
Good Character & Leadership
We teach kids and teens how to be responsible, engaged citizens and innovative, resilient leaders through mentorship, accountability and modeling good behavior.
Member of the Month
Every month, each Clubhouses selects one member as Member of the Month to highlight within the Club. This award recognizes kids who have gone “above and beyond” in terms of their deeds, actions or words. We enjoy positively reinforcing good choices with this award.
Youth of the Year
Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club members. Each year, one exceptional young person from a Boys & Girls Club rises to the role of National Youth of the Year. The journey begins locally and progresses to state, regional and national levels. Congratulations to our 2026 Youth of the Year, Tommi, from the Blaine Clubhouse!
Spark my Future
In response to a growing local need for career prep and workforce readiness training we launched a county-wide, year-round, comprehensive initiative in order to be part of the solution. This innovative program provides the framework needed to ensure all Club youth have the vital skills, knowledge and self-awareness to plan and build a viable postsecondary future whether that means college, skilled trades or a direct path into a growth industry. Named Spark My Future by our local teens attending the Club, the curriculum is composed of three Boys & Girls Clubs of America developed programs.
- CareerLaunch focuses on preparing youth for internships, first jobs, and ongoing skill acquisition.
- Money Matters, a financial literacy program, seeks to promote financial responsibility and independence for the future.
- Road Code teaches safe driving techniques and principles through driving simulation headsets.
We also incorporate SMART Moves, a BGCA curriculum that utilizes age-appropriate small group discussions and activities to develop responsible decision-making skills, enabling students to avoid risky behaviors, including involvement with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Together, this comprehensive approach will set up our future leaders for the best possible opportunity to being successful as they enter the workforce and adulthood.
Healthy Lifestyles
Healthy habits curriculum is designed to teach young people about the benefits of developing good habits such as eating smart and being physically active and equip young people with skills by participating in fun and engaging learning activities both at the Club and at home. Healthy lifestyles encompasses mental, emotional, and physical well-being in order to develop well-rounded young people.
Project L.A.N.E.
Project L.A.N.E. stands for lifestyle, attitude, nutrition, and exercise. This dynamic program is offered at our Clubhouses year-round, and demonstrates how eating right, keeping fit, and forming positive relationships adds up to an overall healthy lifestyle. There are three components to the program (mind, body, and soul) and together, they build skills, behaviors, and knowledge that contribute to a sense of well-being.
Athletics
Youth sports play an important role in teaching social, physical and emotional growth in our children. Through our robust athletics program children can play basketball, volleyball, flag football and baseball.
Participants learn the value of teamwork, responsibility, accountability, commitment and sportsmanship while highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Participants are also encouraged to focus on self-improvement, cooperation and support as well as respect of team members, opponents, coaches and self. Our athletes learn that they can set a good example for those around them both on and off the field.
Healthy Foods Program
The Clubs provide nutritious snacks and meals for kids to support active lifestyles. Not only do we provide healthy options, we engage members in cooking to teach essential life skills. We encourage kids to explore their creativity, have fun with, and get excited about cooking. By teaching our youth the benefits of preparing healthy meals and how to do so, we are setting them up for a Great Future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just come in and pay in-person?
No. Payment needs to be completed through your Parent Portal account or using a qualifying state health insurance. Club Directors and staff are unable to collect payment.
Do I have to register my child online? Can I come in and fill out a form?
Registration must be completed online via the Parent Portal. Additional forms such as our Handbook and Transportation Agreements can be printed and provided to families to sign at the door.
What is the weekly or monthly cost of the After School Program?
The $40 membership fee is the only payment needed for After School. We do not charge additional fees.
Why can't I come inside the building to pick up my child?
The safety of our members is our number one priority. All adults in our Program spaces are required to have a background check on file as per BGCA policy.