Enrichment Program Overview

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) research-based Formula for Impact offers BGCSEVA a guide to follow for programming at all 9 Clubs. It enables a holistic approach to youth development that encourages healthy habits, self-esteem, and helps develop independence and interpersonal skills. Together, these skills assist our outcome based programming in which programs are focused in five core areas. These areas include; Character & Leadership Development, Health & Life Skills, The Arts, Sports, Fitness & Recreation, and Education & Career. Together, they encompass our three priority outcomes; Academic Success, Good Character & Leadership, and Healthy Lifestyles. The Formula for Impact is an equation that takes young people who need us most plus an outcome driven Club experience to equal the three priority outcomes. Below, you will see just a few of the programs offered at the Clubs.

aCADEMIC SUCCESS

Power Hour, making minutes’ count! This program runs daily throughout the school-year and provides homework help, tutoring services, and learning activities to all Club members. This time is vital in offering members the extra support they may need to achieve their academic goals. They will be provided the assistance and support they need so that they do not fall behind in school. Club staff work with family members and school staff to address any concerns and help to prevent barriers in a student’s path to educational success.

DIY STEM (Do It Yourself STEM) is an activity based program for members ages 9-12 that makes the connection between scientific principles, real world applications, and technology. STEM programs empower youth to create new solutions to real-world challenges. This project-based approach develops critical thinking, problem solving and other 21st century skills critical to success in the STEM workforce and beyond. 

Project Learn reinforces and enhances the skills and knowledge young people learn at school during the hours they spend at the Club. This comprehensive program strategy is based on Dr. Reginald Clark's research showing that students do much better in school when they spend their non-school hours engaged in fun, but academically beneficial, activities. Through Project Learn, Club staff use all the areas and programs in the Club to provide high-yield learning activities to members. Activities include; leisure reading, writing, discussions with knowledgeable adults, helping others, homework help, tutoring, and games like Scrabble that develop young people's cognitive skills. Project Learn also emphasizes parent involvement and collaboration between Club and school professionals as critical factors in creating the best after-school learning environment for Club members of all ages. Extensively field-tested and formally evaluated by Columbia University with funding from Carnegie Corporation of New York, Project Learn has been proven to boost the academic performance of Club members. The JCPenney Afterschool Fund underwrote the initial implementation of this educational enhancement approach in Clubs across the nation. 

GOOD CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP

Torch Clubs are chartered​ small-group leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 10-13. A Torch Club is a powerful vehicle through which Club staff can help meet the special character development needs of younger adolescents at a critical stage in their development. Torch Club members learn to elect officers and work together to implement activities in four areas: service to Club and community, education, health and fitness and social recreation. The Torch Club Awards are presented annually to Torch Clubs with outstanding programs and activities in the four areas. Each year, Torch Club members from all over the country take part in a service-learning experience through the National Torch Club Project.

Keystone Club is Boys & Girls Club Movement’s most dynamic teen program. It affords teens, ages 13-18, an opportunity to gain valuable leadership and service experience. They conduct activities in three areas: academic success, career exploration andcommunity service. Aaron's Inc. sponsors the Keystone Club program as part of a multi-year teen initiative; a strategic partnership between Aaron's Inc. and BGCA provides Clubs with the tools and resources to create a positive place for teens as well as for kids. 

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Triple Play is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Americas initiative towards comprehensive health and wellness. The goal of this program is to improve the overall health of all members, by increasing their daily physical activity, teaching them good nutrition, and helping them develop healthy relationships.   

SMART (Skills, Mastery, and Resistance Training) Moves is a nationally acclaimed prevention program designed to teach children and teens how to avoid and resist engaging in risky behaviors. Underneath this umbrella, Clubs offer additional programs including; SMART Leaders, SMART Kids, start SMART and SMART Girls. These programs allow specific lessons for members. SMART programs run for 12-14 weeks at a time.

Passport to Manhood promotes and teaches responsibility in male Club members and concentrates programming on a specific aspect of manhood through highly interactive activities. This program consists of 14 sessions.  .