Our Approach Works

At the Clubs, we follow a proven model for success. Research shows that kids and teens who have an optimal Club experience are more likely to have positive self-esteem, be engaged in school and learning, and volunteer in their communities. Our youth development professionals provide young people with safe spaces, deeply impactful programs, and key resources to help them achieve academic success, make healthy life choices, and reach their full potential. But don’t just take our word for it. Read their stories to understand the incredible impact the Clubs make.

Graduation Plus

Jordan is a graduate of Rufus King High School. During his sophomore year of high school, he was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. Despite this, Jordan worked hard and leaned on his support system to continue pursuing his education. He demonstrates perseverance, determination and persistence, even in the face of difficult challenges.

Jordan credits BGCGM's Graduation Plus program for his college development and for shaping him into the resilient and successful young man he is, "Grad Plus helped me with everything. They challenged me, supported me, and helped me along my path to debt-free education. I recommend that everyone take advantage of the program if given the opportunity." And he has no intention of slowing down. With a full-ride scholarship through QuestBridge and continued support from our Grad Plus team, Jordan is on track to graduate from the University of Notre Dame in 2024.

Youth of the Year

Our 2021 Bally Sports Wisconsin State Youth of the Year, Anya Ramos, advocates for mental health awareness, acceptance, and support after her experience during the pandemic led her to her own mental health diagnosis. Learn more about her story and hear the radio interview she did with WUWM, Milwaukee's NPR.

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Career Development

Karar joined Boys & Girls Clubs shortly after his family arrived in the U.S. as refugees from Iraq. He quickly got involved in our Career Development program as a way to find employment and to learn English.

Karar excelled at learning English through his English as a Second Language classes at South Division High School and while working toward his National Career Readiness Certificate through the Key Train/Work Keys program within our Bike Shop.

After completing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program & FoodShare Employment Training Program, Karar began serving the Clubs’ mission as a youth worker at our Davis Club.

Karar also gained valuable skills in our 24-week BGC B!ke training program, a partnership with Dream Bikes and Bublr Bikes, while also working at Boston Store. He went on to further develop his retail skills with a position at U.S. Cellular, also earned through our Career Development program. All of Karar’s hard work and dedication paid off. After graduating from Nicolet High School, Karar was awarded the Herzing U Scholarship and went on to earn a degree in Healthcare Management from Herzing University in December 2019. Karar embodies the mission of our Career Development program: to help Milwaukee youth develop the personal and professional skills they need to succeed in the workforce.

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SAFE PLACES TO LEARN

At Boys & Girls Clubs, youth have a safe place to learn and play with tutoring and academic programming as well as supervised activities led by enthusiastic and positive role models.

Programs That Work

With after-school tutoring, career development, sports leagues and art classes, our high quality educational programming keeps Milwaukee youth safe and engaged.

  • Leadership & Service

    Members learn about taking personal responsibility for their actions, are given leadership roles within the Clubs and participate in community service projects.

  • STEAM

    Through exposure to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) programming, members learn self-expression and problem-solving skills.

  • Education

    From improving literary and math skills to after-school homework help, Boys & Girls Clubs offers educational programming that is suited for all members.

  • College & Careers

    By helping youth explore different career paths or obtain college access, more youth will succeed in finding a rewarding career and achieving financial independence.

  • Sports & Recreation

    Through sports programs, youth can learn about teamwork and accountability while building lifelong healthy habits.

  • Health & Wellness

    Along with developing healthy habits, members learn about taking responsibility for their actions and making positive choices throughout life.