For Charlie Agnew, the Boys & Girls Club wasn’t just an after-school hangout; it was the launchpad for his future. Watching his older brothers benefit from the Club, he eagerly anticipated his own membership. When his time came, Charlie discovered a haven brimming with engaging afterschool programs and transformative experiences, all designed to pave his way to success beyond high school.
“They believe in you more than you even believe in yourself,” Charlie reflects, now employed at an estate management firm and still connected to his Boys & Girls Club roots. “But they help you find that belief in yourself.”
Within the welcoming doors of the Boys & Girls Club, Charlie encountered a dedicated team committed to nurturing his growth. He connected with Desiree Frederick, the Director of Education and Career Development, who became his mentor, urging him to excel academically and explore higher education opportunities. Desiree’s sentiment echoes the Club’s mission: “We want to see all kids succeed and graduate from high school. We know they’re going to do great things — and then being able to see that happen. It makes working at Boys & Girls Clubs that much more special.”
Academic achievement is a cornerstone of career and college readiness. A high school diploma is increasingly essential, serving as a gateway to numerous jobs and post-secondary education paths. With projections indicating that 72% of jobs will demand post-secondary knowledge by 2031, pursuing further education, whether college, vocational, or trade school, is crucial for young individuals to secure fulfilling and productive lives.
Excelling academically ignites a passion for learning, cultivates a robust work ethic, and hones vital life skills – the bedrock for lifelong success. Afterschool programs, such as those offered by Boys & Girls Clubs, create a nurturing ecosystem where children receive the necessary support to thrive academically, explore diverse career avenues, and graduate with a clear vision for their future.
Boosting Academic Success Through After School Engagement
Numerous factors contribute to a student’s academic journey towards high school graduation. Regular school attendance, active engagement in learning, developing effective study habits, and improving grades and test scores are just a few key elements. Boys & Girls Clubs’ afterschool programs are designed to bolster each of these areas. Remarkably, recent data reveals that 83% of Club members report achieving mostly As and Bs.
This support is particularly critical given the persistent issue of chronic absenteeism, which remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Children from lower-income households are disproportionately affected, facing a two to three times higher risk of chronic absence. However, Boys & Girls Club members buck this trend, with nearly 75% of Club teens reporting no school skipping in the past four weeks.
In Charlie’s words, “Boys & Girls Clubs provide a stable place for kids to go where they are safe, comfortable, and can be who they really want to be.”
Clubs offer a diverse range of afterschool programs for youth of all ages, enriching and expanding upon classroom learning. These encompass hands-on STEM and arts activities, collaborative projects that cultivate social-emotional skills, and homework assistance from trained and caring adults. These mentors are adept at connecting with and empowering young people through a youth-centered learning approach.
Desiree, Charlie’s mentor, shares, “I was able to start mentoring him from seventh grade and kept that connection with him through high school and then off to college,” illustrating the enduring impact of mentorship within these programs.
Connecting Education to Career Pathways
Boys & Girls Clubs extend their support beyond immediate academic success, actively bridging the gap between classroom learning and future career paths. These programs empower young people to envision their post-high school possibilities and strategically plan their next steps, whether college, trade school, vocational training, apprenticeships, or military service. Clubs champion college and career readiness, guiding teens through every stage of the process.
Post-secondary education frequently plays a pivotal role in realizing career aspirations. However, the application process can be overwhelming, especially for first-generation college students or those from under-resourced communities.
This is where Clubs make a significant difference. Research demonstrates that guidance through the intricate processes of college admission and financial aid significantly increases the likelihood of enrollment, attendance, and completion of post-secondary education. For Charlie, his Club proved to be an invaluable resource, navigating him through this complex terrain.
“He was a first-generation college kid,” Desiree explains, “This was all new to him and his parents so being able to help him navigate college visits, application processes, scholarships and how we’re going to pay for things, it was really amazing to see him grow through that period of time.”
Charlie’s experience is reflective of a broader trend among Club seniors: 86% report applying to post-secondary education, and three-quarters have pursued post-secondary scholarships.
Cultivating Lifelong Learners for Career Success
While high school graduation and post-secondary education are crucial milestones, the academic and life skills fostered by Clubs are the true bedrock of career and life readiness. Collaboration, leadership, perseverance, and a strong work ethic are among the essential skills employers highly value.
Boys & Girls Clubs ignite young people’s curiosity and foster a deep engagement in learning. Nearly all Club youth express enjoyment in learning new things, and 84% actively seek out activities that challenge them to expand their knowledge.
This proactive engagement serves Club members well throughout their lives, as exemplified by Charlie’s ongoing success. “We’re just extremely proud of him and all he’s accomplished,” Desiree affirms.
After School Programs: Where Great Futures Begin
Boys & Girls Clubs of America are committed to supporting young people and communities year-round, providing safe, inclusive environments, caring mentors, and enriching programs. Boys & Girls Clubs empower teens to graduate on time with a solid plan for the future. Join us in investing in the next generation of leaders.
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We extend our sincere gratitude to our donors, supporters, and corporate partners who make this vital work possible. Our corporate partners include Banfield Pet Hospital, Bridgestone, Carter’s, Caesars Foundation, Chevron, Chips Ahoy, Cox Communications, Crown Castle, Danaher Foundation, Fortive, Lenovo, Panda Cares, Ross Stores, RTX, Thermo Fisher, and UScellular.
To discover more, please visit BGCA.org/AcademicSuccess
Sources
- https://njbia.org/report-predicts-72-of-all-us-jobs-will-require-postsecondary-education-by-2031/#:~:text=Contact%20Your%20Legislators-,Report%20Predicts%2072%25%20of%20All%20US%20Jobs,Require%20Postsecondary%20Education%20by%202031&text=By%202031%2C%2072%25%20of%20all,(CEW)%20at%20Georgetown%20University
- https://www.npr.org/2024/02/09/1228441120/covid-schools-students-learning
- https://www.attendanceworks.org/chronic-absence/the-problem/
