Youth Organizations

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America's tradition of service to the nation's youth began in 1860, when the first Boys Club was established in Hartford, Connecticut. Since then the organization has grown to serve millions of young people in thousands of Boys and Girls Clubs across the country.

The national organization–originally named Federated Boys Clubs, and later Boys Clubs of America–was founded in 1906 by the fifty-three local Boys Clubs in existence at that time. The purpose of the organization was to provide leadership and programs for member clubs, and to help establish new clubs in disadvantaged communities. In 1990 the name became Boys and Girls Clubs of America (B&GCA), reflecting an expanded mission of service to all young people who need the support, guidance, and character-development experiences the clubs provide.

In the closing years of the twentieth century, Boys and Girls Clubs of America experienced dramatic growth, chartering more than 1,000 new club locations. Many factors contributed to this successful outreach effort, among them the dedication of national volunteers–men and women whose experience and knowledge are drawn upon to advise and strengthen the organization. Strong partnerships with committed corporations and foundations also provide invaluable support, helping raise funds and awareness on behalf of Boys and Girls Clubs of America and local clubs.

B&GCA's efficient use of financial resources has won national recognition. In a 2000 "Philanthropy 400" report, The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked B&GCA thirteenth among all nonprofit organizations, while placing B&GCA in the number one position among youth organizations for the seventh consecutive year. Forbes, Fortune, Money, Newsweek, and U.S. News and World Report have all ranked B&GCA among the top charitable organizations in America, based on cost-effective use of donor dollars. Smart Money magazine ranked B&GCA as one of the two top children's charities, and among the top ten of all nonprofit organizations, based on financial efficiency, strength of reputation, and program effectiveness.

Boys and Girls Clubs of America continues to maximize its human and financial resources to reach more young people and communities in need. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, an estimated 15 million American children live in poverty. Half live in urban areas, and many face serious obstacles to achieving productive futures, but all deserve the chance to achieve their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens and leaders.

B&GCA's commitment to growth and quality is based on its concern for deserving youth, as well as the national interest: soon these boys and girls will become the mainstay of America's economy. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, and power. By aiding their development, all of society benefits.

B&GCA is especially committed to high-quality after-school programming. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, nearly half of all juvenile crimes occur on weekdays between 3 P.M. and 8 B&GCA's proven after-school programs not only keep children safe and out of trouble, they also provide a prime opportunity to increase learning. Young people in B&GCA's after-school programs show better achievement in math, reading, and other subjects.

Among the children in greatest need are those living in America's public housing developments. In 1986 fewer than forty clubs operated in public housing. By the end of the twentieth century, however, more than 400 public housing—based Boys and Girls Clubs served more than 150,000 youths. This number grows steadily, thanks to effective collaboration between clubs, schools, housing authorities, government agencies, and private funding sources.

B&GCA continues to break new ground, reaching out to at-risk youth in nontraditional ways. Boys and Girls Clubs work with young people in schools, homeless shelters, shopping malls, and on military bases and Native American lands.

Boys and Girls Clubs of America's mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. While America's youth face many difficult challenges, Boys and Girls Clubs continue their tradition of offering proven solutions that work. Clubs have provided millions of girls and boys with daily character-development programs, firmly establishing a nationwide reputation as "The Positive Place for Kids."