The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica Youth Development Programs

Expand existing program

We are not submitting a collaborative proposal. However, we collaborate with a wide network of community partners in our programming with other organizations doing similar work, local businesses, and other agencies to best meet the needs of our Club members and toward the overall success of our programs.

Our young people benefit social-emotionally, academically, behaviorally, and physically through our supportive and caring outcomes-based program design. Our goal is for our kids to tackle their dilemmas and use them to become competent and compassionate leaders. Many of the youth we serve are facing multiple socio-economic barriers that make it nearly impossible to get ahead in life. Youth are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and crime when unsupervised during the hours outside of school. Studies indicate that these factors amongst others influence a person’s health and wellbeing. Both environmental and emotional circumstances contribute to whether a young person will be prepared to graduate high school, advance to higher education, and successfully transition into a thriving-wage career.

BGCSM’s four-pillar program model integrates overall holistic wellbeing and growth in our youth, while further focusing on targeting services for our most at-risk youth in the community. We provide a well-rounded approach toward youth development that utilizes prevention and intervention with academic, physical, and social-emotional support to help youth achieve overall success and wellbeing in life. Program activities include academic support, leadership, financial awareness, career exploration, social-emotional wellbeing, sports, performing arts, technology, STEM, mentorships, college preparation, civic engagement, and other enrichment activities. Additionally, we utilize research-based, high-quality training in our staff development, which allows us to continually evaluate our program implementation and youth engagement practices to improve. Through this, we can create a safe and supportive environment that fosters growth and resiliency while building confidence in our youth.

We target the most at-risk youth in our communities to help them overcome barriers and achieve overall success and wellbeing in life. Our programming directly impacts 4,000 youth annually. Our indirect impact extends to our teen and community volunteers, community and stakeholders reached at our annual events, families and residents reached by our club events such as Thanksgiving meals, holiday parties, and family assistance programs, as well as our dedicated advisory board and staff.