Our Programs
Great futures start here.
Academic Success Programs
One of our three main pillars, we focus on providing our Club members with essential academic support so they are able to flourish in and out of the classroom.
Age 9-12
DIY STEM is a hands-on, activity-based STEM curriculum, which connects youth to science themes they encounter regularly.
Ages 13-18
Money Matters promotes financial responsibility and independence among Club members ages 13 to 18. Participants learn how to manage a checking account, create a budget, save and invest, start small businesses and pay for college.
All ages
My.Future is a mobile-friendly social platform with program activities in areas such as STEM, leadership and the arts.
All Ages
Power Hour: Making Minutes Count provides Club professionals with the strategies, activities, resources and information to create an engaging homework help and tutoring program that encourages Club members of every age to become self-directed learners.
Age 10-18
Since 2011, CA Technologies has partnered with BGCA to deliver hands-on technology workshops for tween and teen girls to spark their interest in STEM careers.
All Ages
BGCC’s first Technology Center of Excellence opened in 2019 with newly renovated space was equipped with 3-D printers, desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smart boards, and robotics. The center features a space design and curriculum that celebrates the unique contributions of black people in technology.
There are now four Technology Centers of Excellence at Jordan Club, King Club, True Value Club, and Pedersen-McCormick Club.
All Ages
In partnership with the BGCC Woman's Board, there are several opportunities to attend field trips to some of Chicago's most notable institutions. From the Field Museum to the Art Institute to Chicago's beaches, youth get to explore what our city has to offer.
Healthy Lifestyle Programs
One of our three main pillars, our healthy lifestyle programs provide our Club members exposure to exercise, healthy snacks and mentors to support healthy living.
All Ages
ALL STARS engages Club members 6-18 in football, basketball, cheerleading and dancing.
Age 11-14
Passport to Manhood teaches responsibility to boys ages 11 to 14 with sessions that focus on a specific aspect of character and manhood through highly interactive activities.
Age 8-17
SMART Girls provides health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement for girls ages 8 to 17.
All Ages
Triple Play is a comprehensive health and wellness program. It strives to improve the overall health of Club members ages 6-18 by increasing daily physical activity, teaching them about good nutrition and helping them develop healthy relationships.
All Ages
The program features virtual cooking lessons from culinary professionals at Les Dames d’Escoffier (LDEI). With in-person, hands-on lessons at the Pedersen-McCormick Club, LDEI also offers a series of videos teaching all Virtual Club members cooking skills and recipes for easy, healthy snacks.
All Ages
The games room is the heart of every Club. This central, welcoming space is a program area where all youth can have fun and play together.
All Ages
Our open gym is the key to the success of our Clubs. When not in use for organized team sports or activities, open gym is a time for youth to be creative and play together no matter their skill level.
Character & Leadership Programs
One of our three main pillars, the character and leadership programs offer unique opportunities and exposure to our young people to better themselves and their communities.
Age 16-24
BGCC offers an Employment Program for qualifying teen members. The goal of the program is to provide workforce development services to teens, including job readiness training, career development, internships, drop-out prevention services, and leadership development. Throughout the past 10 years, BGCC has placed more than 700 teen members in employment, post-secondary education, internships, and training opportunities through this program.
To find out more, click here.
Age 14-18
This Club is chartered, small-group leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 14 to 18. They are a powerful vehicle that helps Club staff meet the special character development needs of younger adolescents at a critical stage in their life.
Age 11-14
This Club is chartered, small-group leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 11 to 14. They are a powerful vehicle that helps Club staff meet the special character development needs of younger adolescents at a critical stage in their life.
Age 14-18
The Youth of the Year Award is Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago’s highest local honor, rewarding leadership, service and academic standing.
Click here to learn more about last year's Youth of the Year event.
Specialized Programs
Throughout our 20+ Clubs, we have specialized programming that is focused on our three main pillars, but may not be offered at each of our Clubs.
Age 6-13
Youth engage in stimulating and accessible activities that support the acquisition of literacy skills. Throughout the pandemic, online read-alouds, in-person tutoring support, book distribution, and more help keep our young people engaged and performing academically.
All Ages
In partnership with Northwestern University’s Science and Society Department and Dr. Michael Kennedy, True Value and Pedersen-McCormick Clubs offer twice-weekly Science Club (middle and high school) and Junior Science Club (elementary) programming. This program is the only one of its kind in the country and is nationally recognized. Northwestern graduate students volunteer with the program for at least one year committing to weekly sessions with two youth each. This low mentor-mentee ratio allows for a high caliber of content and in-depth study.
Age 6-14
Summer Brain Gain is comprised of one-week modules with fun, themed activities for elementary school, middle school and high school students that are aligned with common core anchor standards. In addition, Summer Brain Gain: Read!, a literacy program, complements the larger Summer Brain Gain curriculum.
Summer camps is a six- to eight-week program that gives children a safe place to go during the summer months. For many families, summer camp can be out of reach due to high costs. BGCC offers an affordable camp option (even making it free to families that can’t afford the reduced cost) that’s not only fun, but offers educational activities and adventures to expand BGCC members’ horizons. Additionally, the kids that seek out the Club programs are those at greatest risk to suffer from summer learning loss. Studies show that most low-income youth lose about two months of grade-level equivalency in mathematical computation and reading skills over the summer months. BGCC’s summer programs combat that learning loss by engaging youth in learning through discovery, creative expression and collaborative group work.
Ages 11-14
This program is targeted to help youth determine a post-high school pathway: college, career or military. The program alternates between college and career topics to help youth think beyond primary school.