For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has enabled young people, especially those who need Clubs most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, some 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve some 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs can be found throughout the country and on U.S. military installations worldwide, providing young people 6 –18 years old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. Key programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; technology training; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family outreach. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives.

Evaluation Status: Project Learn is Proven Effective

An external evaluation conducted by Columbia University found that Project Learn, one of BGCA’s premier programs that is supported by EMCF, reinforces and enhances the skills and knowledge young people acquire at school with “high-yield” learning activities, such as leisure reading and writing.

EMCF Investment

Since 2000, the Foundation has invested $23 million in Boys & Girls Clubs of America to implement its business plan. EMCF’s latest investment (of $5 million) supports the expansion of BGCA's Leadership University, a leadership development initiative for local BGCA club leaders and senior management. This grant also supports a nationwide initiative to implement standardized outcome measures across BGCA's network.

For more information, visit Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s website at www.bgca.org.