Academics. With 80% of the youth in the neighborhoods scoring below proficient in math and language arts, our members need additional academic support. BGCP provides:
- Homework assistance. All members spend one hour per afternoon completing homework
- Academic enrichment in reading, math and science. We provide specific small group instruction in these areas to help members keep up with grade level expectations.
1:1 Tutoring and mentoring. Most 8th grade and high school members receive 1:1 tutoring and mentoring for help with school work, high school and college applications and general life guidance. BGCP has recruited and trained approximately 500 community volunteers to work with our members.
High school preparation. Most of the youth who drop out of high school fall behind significantly in 9th grade, so we provide intensive support for our middle school students around high school preparation. In addition to receiving academic support, they learn about their high school choices, meet high school students and teachers, visit high schools, and receive guidance deciding where to attend and what classes to take.
College Bound. College Bound is a case management approach to keeping our high school students on track to graduate with a plan. Each member has a mentor who meets weekly with him to ensure he is succeeding in school. Staff and volunteers work directly with high school staff and parents to understand how each member is doing and to advocate for him if necessary. We also provide a range of instruction in academics, life skills and college prep.
Career preparation. Beginning in middle school we expose our members to potential careers through field trips and professionals visiting us. We help them gain aspirations and understand what it will take to achieve theirs. We also hire dozens of teens as part-time staff. This gives them their first job and teaches valuable career skills. It also keeps teens coming to BGCP so our staff can continue influencing them. At the same time, these teens are excellent role models for our younger members. Many teens volunteer as tutors and mentors for younger members. This cycle is Boys & Girls Clubs at its best.
