Youth in the National Capital region face some of the most challenging odds in the United States. They rank at the wrong end of the scale in graduation rates, teen pregnancy, crime, obesity, gang activity, etc. To counter these challenges, BGCGW offers holistic programming to give our children and teens the support and guidance they need to succeed.
We are currently collecting and analyzing data to illustrate the life-saving impact BGCGW programming has on today’s youth.
Youth are almost six times more likely to be the victims of criminal activity between the hours of 3 and 7 pm. BGCGW Clubs are open on weekdays during these critical hours and Clubs in areas of high need offer extended hours in order to provide youth a safe haven when it is needed the most. BGCGW programming focuses on the prevention of juvenile crime, use of drugs and alcohol, and other dangerous activities through programs such as the Violence Prevention Initiative, SMART Moves, and Passport to Manhood and reaching youth through our various sports programs.
The teenage pregnancy rate in the District of Columbia is 6.5%,--50% higher than the national average of 4.2%. DC teens are also facing a significant life-threatening HIV/AIDS epidemic. BGCGW offers a pregnancy prevention program, SHINE, to Club members encouraging abstinence as one of several methods to prevent unwanted or premature pregnancies as well as STDs. BGCGW programs such as SHINE and SMART Moves address these sensitive topics and gives children and teens the knowledge and sense of self-worth to make smart decisions by including a theme of character development in all BGCGW programs.
In the greater Washington area, the rates of childhood obesity are nearly 25%, soaring as much as 10% above the national average, leaving youth at risk of life-threatening health issues. BGCGW’s obesity prevention, education fitness and nutrition program, FitU, as well as our traditional sports and recreation activities address the aspects of leading a healthy lifestyle including health, wellness, and fitness.
Art education has continued to disappear from local schools and communities in recent years leaving more at-risk youth who, as a result, spend more time on less productive activities. Arts programming is a form of outreach that has a remarkably high involvement level and retention rate because children, once they get involved, genuinely enjoy their Arts activities. BGCGW Arts programs such as ICON and TAP give at-risk youth creative and productive ways to spend their free time encouraging them to develop their unique talents while building confidence and self-esteem.
Click here to read more about what Club members, their families, and Board members are saying about BGCGW programs
I wasn’t always the best athlete, but I was encouraged to come to every practice and do my best. Later, I applied the same behaviors to college and work. By doing so, you set yourself apart and achieve a great competitive advantage."
– Robert Scheer, Maryland commercial real estate developer and BGCGW alum
"The Clubs exposed my son to things he’d never otherwise get to do. He caught the most fish at camp. I didn’t even know he knew how to fish, but he loved it and talked about it for weeks."
– Joyce Segura, Mom
"Working full-time, hands-on in the Clubs, metropolitan police officers have developed relationships between kids and the police so we better understand each other and work together to establish trust and address issues of safety in our commuity."
– Officer Devone Tinsley, Metrpolitan Police Department
"BGCGW staff makes the most of limited resources in the midst of budget constraints and increasing demand. Thinking like entrepreneurs, they keep their wits about them and focus on what’s most important…our kids!"
– Sandra Haller, Board Member
"My mom said thank you for talking to me about healthy relationships. I know I will apply what I learned in this program to other things."
– SHINE participant