Boys & Girls Club launches Great Futures Campaign for kids during out-of-school time
Nationwide movement redefines the opportunity equation for kids by elevating need for increased access to after school and summer programs
Boys & Girls Club of North San Luis Obispo County, recently announced the launch of the Great Futures Campaign to mobilize the community in support of kids and empower today’s youth to achieve great futures. The local club is joining Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide to redefine the opportunity equation for kids by elevating the critical role out-of-school time plays in a child’s development. Through the Great Futures Campaign, the organization seeks to ensure that every child and teen has access to a safe place after school and during the summer where they can build the knowledge, skills and behaviors to put them on the path for success.
Every day, 15 million kids nationwide (1 out of 4) leave school with no place to go, putting them at risk of being unsupervised, unguided and unsafe. During the summer, an alarming 43 million (3 out of 4) kids in America lack access to summer learning programs2, increasing their risk of learning loss and putting them at a disadvantage before the school year starts. The way a child spends their time after school and during the summer can significantly impact the path they take.
“When the nation prepares to go back to school this fall, the Boys & Girls Club of North San Luis Obispo County wants to ensure out-of-school is part of the conversation. We’re taking a leadership role with the Great Futures Campaign to elevate the impact of out-of-school time, a critical, yet often overlooked, part of their day,” said Todd Evenson, Board Chair. “When school is out, no child should go unsafe or unguided. Through the Campaign, we are advocating on behalf of kids and convening public, private and nonprofit partners around our goal of ensuring all kids have access to a safe, engaging and productive place to go between school and home.”
A response to the crises facing America’s kids, the campaign is focused on reversing the most negative trends facing youth and the country:
• Today’s generation is estimated to be worse off than their parents, the first in America’s history
• Our nation’s graduation rate ranks 22nd among 28 countries
• Three out of 10 kids are obese or overweight
• One in 5 American kids live in poverty
Nationally, the issues have economic implications, costing as much as $209 billion in lost taxes and higher government expenditures over the lifetimes of those who fail to graduate. Healthcare costs to treat health issues related to childhood obesity are $14.1 billion annually, and states spend an average of $7.1 million a day locking youth up in juvenile justice facilities.
“The Boys & Girls Club of North San Luis Obispo County has been serving the community with after school and summer programs for over 22 years. During that time, we’ve seen the positive impact that occurs when young people have access to a safe place with caring adult mentors and enriching programs during out-of-school time,” said Evenson, “We want today’s generation to be successful in school and in adulthood, to be healthy and active, and to develop strong character skills they need to become future leaders for our country.”
The Boys & Girls Club of North San Luis Obispo County reaches kids most in need with outcome-driven programs designed to increase their performance in the areas of education, health and character development. Research shows that when kids attend the club more frequently, the impact grows, so clubs create a fun and engaging environment that keeps kids coming back.
About Boys & Girls Club of North San Luis Obispo County
The Boys & Girls Club of North San Luis Obispo is an educational after school program and summer camp available to youth ages 5-17, at an annual membership fee of only $20 (with additional fees applied during the summer for the full-day program). The club serves children with high-quality programs in a safe, fun and caring environment. Children are engaged in academic, enrichment, and social activities that broaden their perspectives, develop their skills and enhance their lives. The children are inspired and enabled to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring adults. For more information call 805-239-3659 or visit our website at www.bgcpaso.org.
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