Latest news with #Boys&GirlsClubsofAmerica

Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Boys & Girls Clubs joins movement to help youth become 'future ready'
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Carolina announced recently its official commitment to Future Ready, a strategic direction launched by Boys & Girls Clubs of America to meet the urgent needs of today's youth and shape the future of youth development nationwide. The Future Ready movement unites more than 1,000 local Boys & Girls Club organizations under a shared mission: to empower young people with the skills, experiences and support they need to thrive in school, work and life. As the challenges facing youth continue to evolve—from mental health struggles and academic disruption to economic uncertainty and the digital divide—BGCCC is stepping forward with an ambitious local plan to grow impact and deepen community leadership. Local Goals for 2028• Increase average daily attendance from 338 to 500 • Grow registered membership from 1,129 to 1,500 • Expand teen membership from 177 to 275 'Our commitment to Future Ready is more than a pledge—it's a promise to the kids and teens in our communities,' said Fallon Brewington, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Carolina. 'We are creating spaces where young people are safe, supported and empowered to build their brightest futures.' Five Strategic Priorities• Organizational strength: BGCCC is investing in the professional development of its board and leadership team, with an emphasis on recruitment, onboarding and volunteer retention. • Talent development: Staff and volunteers will benefit from enhanced training, onboarding, and compensation strategies to strengthen our culture of excellence. • Youth & Teen Impact: BGCCC is launching new initiatives to increase teen engagement, including plans to open a Teen Workforce Development Center in Siler City by 2028. • Influence: With the recent hire of a director of resource development & marketing, BGCCC is actively working to build brand awareness and elevate youth voices in local conversations. • Digital transformation: Technology upgrades for staff and members are underway to improve the Club experience and operations across all sites. BGCCC encourages supporters, partners and community leaders to join in this transformational work. Whether through advocacy, philanthropy or volunteering, every effort helps bring our communities—and our youth—closer to being Future Ready.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Extraordinary Teens Honored at Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Annual 'Southwest Youth of the Year' Celebration
Boys & Girls Club Candidates from across the Southwest region participated in a chance to earn a $20,000 scholarship; Dallas Cowboys' Jerry Jones awarded for dedication to youth and sports Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Southwest Youth of the Year 2025 Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Southwest Youth of the Year 2025 ATLANTA, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boys & Girls Clubs of America, one of the nation's leading youth-serving organizations, hosted its annual 'Southwest Youth of the Year' celebration, honoring extraordinary teens for their achievements in leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to health and well-being. This year's event was held in Frisco, Texas, on May 16, 2025. It brought together 14 Youth of the Year and Military Youth of the Year candidates from the Southwest region who exemplify tenacity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to community impact. Emceed by Emmy-nominated host of Good Morning Texas, Amy Vanderoef, the event included several notable attendees, including Karen Ideno, Boys & Girls Clubs' Southwest Regional Chair, who recently retired from Toyota. The celebration kicked off with a reception, followed by speakers, a dinner, and special performances. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed: A performance from the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue A performance by Club youth, Montgomery, from Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, and blue carpet appearances by Club youth from Boys & Girls Club of Collin County among others Empowering speeches from fourteen representatives to share their personal Club stories A scholarship awarded to the 2025-26 Southwest Youth of the Year, Ximena from Boys & Girls Club of McAllen (Texas) and 2025-26 Southwest Military Youth of the Year, Summer from Peterson Space Force Base (Colorado). As the newly named Southwest Youth of the Year and a member of Boys & Girls Club of McAllen for nine years, Ximena has taken on many leadership roles within her Club, including Vice President of Junior Staff, President of her Keystone Club and President of her Club's TLC (Think Learn Change) group. In school, she's Vice President of the National Honor Society and a student athlete in track and field, volleyball, and soccer. Ximena is passionate about serving and improving her community and she has organized and facilitated service events amounting to 200 hours of community service. 'My Club is where I found a place to belong, a place to study, a place to lead, a place to create change, and a place I'm forever thankful to call my second home,' said Ximena. Named this year's Southwest Military Youth of the Year, Summer has been a member of her Boys and Girls Club at the Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs for 10 years. Within her Club, she serves as Treasurer of Keystone Club and was named Colorado's Military Youth of the Year in 2024 and 2025. Summer was also a National 4H Conference Delegate, where she presented to the Department of Education on the importance of access to career pathways for success, and she is National Honor Society President. Summer is passionate about mental health, and growing up with Tourette Syndrome has fueled her commitment to personal growth. "Success is obtained through determination and being true to oneself,' said Summer. Jerry Jones, owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys and former Club Kid from Boys Club of North Little Rock (Arkansas), was the recipient of the 2025 Champion of the Youth Award for his outstanding support of youth in sports. He was presented the award by Boys & Girls Clubs of America President & CEO, Jim Clark, and former Dallas Cowboys star, Pro Football Hall of Fame member and former Boys & Girls Club Kid, DeMarcus Ware. "Some of my most cherished and valuable memories and moments from my youth are from time spent as a Club Kid in North Little Rock,' said Jones. 'So much can be learned from sports and building relationships at an early age. That was clearly the case for me with football. Seeing the youth recognized here tonight for their outstanding qualities is also very rewarding. I know first-hand how the Boys and Girls Clubs of America has surely impacted their current accomplishments and can also help their future growth and success.' "As we gathered to celebrate our Southwest Youth of the Year candidates, we were privileged to recognize these remarkable young leaders who represent the very best of Boys & Girls Clubs," said Jim Clark, President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "These exceptional young people demonstrate outstanding character, academic excellence, and dedication to service, which underscores what's possible when young people are given the support, opportunities, and encouragement to reach their full potential.' Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 2025 Youth of the Year program will culminate with the naming of the 2025-2026 National Youth of the Year during a celebration event on September 18 in Los Angeles. Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America's premier recognition program for Club teens. As the highest honor a Club member can receive, the National Youth of the Year represents Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the voices of over 4 million Club youth it serves. For more than 75 years, the Youth of the Year program has recognized young people for their outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America, its programs, and partners, visit About Boys & Girls Clubs of AmericaFor more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America ( has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,500 Clubs serve more than 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and LinkedIn. About Youth of the YearThe Youth of the Year program is Boys & Girls Clubs of America's premier youth recognition initiative. It celebrates outstanding teens who are committed to leadership, service, and academic excellence. Each year, Boys & Girls Club members across the country participate in local, state, and regional Youth of the Year events, culminating in the selection of the National Youth of the Year. As the Signature Sponsor of Youth of the Year, Kohl's, through Kohl's Cares, empowers Boys & Girls Clubs through staff training in trauma-informed care and curriculum updates that support youth mental health and wellbeing within the Youth of the Year program. Attachments Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Southwest Youth of the Year 2025 Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Southwest Youth of the Year 2025 CONTACT: Andrea Holliday Boys & Girls Clubs of America aholliday@ in to access your portfolio


Business Upturn
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Boys & Girls Clubs of America Celebrates Its Esteemed Alumni Hall of Fame Class
By GlobeNewswire Published on May 10, 2025, 02:48 IST ATLANTA, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Last night, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, one of the nation's leading youth-serving organizations, proudly celebrated its 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame class, marking the 35th anniversary of this esteemed tradition. Each year, a new class of Hall of Fame inductees represents a group of accomplished individuals who credit their formative experiences at Boys & Girls Clubs for laying the foundation to becoming successful adults. The 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame inductees are: Cedric 'The Entertainer' Kyles – Actor/Comedian, Producer, Director & Novelist – Actor/Comedian, Producer, Director & Novelist Donnie Wahlberg – Singer-Songwriter, Actor & Producer – Singer-Songwriter, Actor & Producer Derek Anderson – Retired NBA Basketball Player & Philanthropist – Retired NBA Basketball Player & Philanthropist Kenneth 'Montez Ford' Crawford – WWE Superstar – WWE Superstar Khalia Collier – VP/Chief of Staff of Basketball Operations, Dallas Mavericks & Owner, St. Louis Surge – VP/Chief of Staff of Basketball Operations, Dallas Mavericks & Owner, St. Louis Surge Donnie Edwards – Retired NFL Linebacker & Nonprofit President and Founder – Retired NFL Linebacker & Nonprofit President and Founder Dr. Rita Ng – Physician-In-Chief at Kaiser Permanente Oakland, Former Miss America Pageant Runner-Up The 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in San Diego, California during Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 119th National Conference. Adding a special touch to the evening, the event was hosted by award-winning actor, producer and fellow Boys & Girls Club alum, Courtney B. Vance, a 2005 inductee to the Alumni Hall of Fame. It also included performances by Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, Ruben Studdard (2005 inductee) and celebrated pianist, composer and producer, William Joseph (2024 inductee). 'Seeing the impact of Boys & Girls Clubs come full circle through our incredible Hall of Famers is always inspiring,' said Jim Clark, president & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. 'It is a privilege to celebrate this year's honorees and their exceptional journeys and contributions, which will undoubtedly encourage the next generation of Club kids.' These seven individuals join a prestigious group of over 250 Boys & Girls Club alumni—from Academy-Award winner Denzel Washington to award-winning sports and musical icons, national media personalities, industry leaders and more—who have been recognized for extraordinary contributions to their respective fields and their unwavering commitment to giving back. Their stories serve as powerful examples of the positive impact Boys & Girls Clubs have on shaping the lives of young people. Images from the event can be viewed and downloaded here. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America, its programs and alumni, visit About Boys & Girls Clubs of America For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America ( has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,500 Clubs serve more than 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and LinkedIn. Attachments Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. GlobeNewswire provides press release distribution services globally, with substantial operations in North America and Europe.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Boys & Girls Clubs of America Celebrates Its Esteemed Alumni Hall of Fame Class
Honorees from Sports, Entertainment, Healthcare and More Inducted During May 8 Ceremony, Hosted by Courtney B. Vance in San Diego Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony ATLANTA, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Last night, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, one of the nation's leading youth-serving organizations, proudly celebrated its 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame class, marking the 35th anniversary of this esteemed tradition. Each year, a new class of Hall of Fame inductees represents a group of accomplished individuals who credit their formative experiences at Boys & Girls Clubs for laying the foundation to becoming successful adults. The 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame inductees are: Cedric "The Entertainer" Kyles – Actor/Comedian, Producer, Director & Novelist Donnie Wahlberg – Singer-Songwriter, Actor & Producer Derek Anderson – Retired NBA Basketball Player & Philanthropist Kenneth "Montez Ford" Crawford – WWE Superstar Khalia Collier – VP/Chief of Staff of Basketball Operations, Dallas Mavericks & Owner, St. Louis Surge Donnie Edwards – Retired NFL Linebacker & Nonprofit President and Founder Dr. Rita Ng – Physician-In-Chief at Kaiser Permanente Oakland, Former Miss America Pageant Runner-Up The 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in San Diego, California during Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 119th National Conference. Adding a special touch to the evening, the event was hosted by award-winning actor, producer and fellow Boys & Girls Club alum, Courtney B. Vance, a 2005 inductee to the Alumni Hall of Fame. It also included performances by Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, Ruben Studdard (2005 inductee) and celebrated pianist, composer and producer, William Joseph (2024 inductee). 'Seeing the impact of Boys & Girls Clubs come full circle through our incredible Hall of Famers is always inspiring,' said Jim Clark, president & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. 'It is a privilege to celebrate this year's honorees and their exceptional journeys and contributions, which will undoubtedly encourage the next generation of Club kids.' These seven individuals join a prestigious group of over 250 Boys & Girls Club alumni—from Academy-Award winner Denzel Washington to award-winning sports and musical icons, national media personalities, industry leaders and more—who have been recognized for extraordinary contributions to their respective fields and their unwavering commitment to giving back. Their stories serve as powerful examples of the positive impact Boys & Girls Clubs have on shaping the lives of young people. Images from the event can be viewed and downloaded here. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America, its programs and alumni, visit About Boys & Girls Clubs of America For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America ( has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,500 Clubs serve more than 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and LinkedIn. Attachments Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony CONTACT: Andrea Holliday Boys & Girls Clubs of America aholliday@ while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data


Associated Press
28-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks and Baseball Legend Alex Rodriguez Named Co-Chairs of Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 2025 National Youth of the Year Celebration
ATLANTA, April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boys & Girls Clubs of America, one of the nation's leading youth-serving organizations, confirms baseball legend, businessman and FOX MLB Analyst Alex Rodriguez, and FOX Sports CEO and Executive Producer, Eric Shanks, will serve as co-chairs for its 2025 'National Youth of the Year' event. The Youth of the Year program, a cornerstone of Boys & Girls Clubs of America for over 75 years, celebrates the remarkable achievements of teens nationwide. These inspiring young people are recognized for their exceptional leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to healthy living – it is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can achieve. In 2024, Youth of the Year participants contributed nearly 73,000 volunteer hours in their communities, and they excel in school, with an average GPA of 3.7. Each year during a star-studded celebration event, one outstanding young person—selected from a group of regional and military Youth of the Year leaders—is named National Youth of the Year, representing millions of Club kids across the country. As co-chairs of the National Youth of the Year leadership committee, Rodriguez and Shanks will collaborate with business and community leaders, professionals, and philanthropists to elevate the celebration, expand its impact, and raise crucial funds to support life-changing programs at Boys & Girls Clubs. 'Alex and Eric are not just titans in their respective fields, but also passionate advocates for youth empowerment,' said Jim Clark, president & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. 'They bring a unique blend of personal experience and professional excellence to this role. As former Club members, they understand the transformative power of our programs, and as influential leaders, they can amplify the voices of our young people on a national stage. Their commitment is a powerful testament to the impact Boys & Girls Clubs have on shaping future leaders.' Both Rodriguez and Shanks are inductees of Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Alumni Hall of Fame, having attended Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade (Florida) and Terre Haute Boys & Girls Club (Indiana) as youth, respectively. Shanks has served on Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Board of Governors since 2015, chairing the Pacific region until 2020. Rodriguez sits on the Board of Directors for Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade and joined Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Board of Governors in 2020. Since then, he has been an influential advisor on marketing efforts and has personally invested over $1 million in the organization's mission. 'My time at Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade was transformative, shaping me into the person I am today. It's where I first picked up a ball and where I was introduced to mentorship and leadership,' said Rodriguez. 'I'm honored to co-chair this event and support these incredible young leaders who represent the very best of our communities.' 'Boys & Girls Clubs provided me with a foundation that has been invaluable throughout my life,' said Shanks. 'I'm excited to partner with Alex to celebrate these exceptional young people and utilize the power of the FOX Sports brand to highlight the life-changing work that supports Club kids nationwide.' The 2025-2026 National Youth of the Year celebration event, presented by Kohl's, will take place at the Fox Studio Lot in Los Angeles on September 18. As the Signature Sponsor of Youth of the Year, Kohl's, through Kohl's Cares, empowers Boys & Girls Clubs through staff training in trauma-informed care and curriculum updates that support youth mental health and wellbeing within the Youth of the Year program. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America, its programs, and partners, visit About Boys & Girls Clubs of America For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America ( ) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,400 Clubs serve more than 3 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and LinkedIn. Andrea Holliday Boys & Girls Clubs of America [email protected]