Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) comprises a national network of more than 4,000 neighborhood-based facilities, with 4.8 million youth served (through club membership and community outreach) in all 50 states and on U.S. military bases worldwide. Known as “The Positive Place for Kids,” BGCA provides guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize leadership development, education and career exploration, financial literacy, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation, and family outreach.

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.