Our Programs
Boys & Girls Clubs is one of the largest and most comprehensive youth development organizations in Metro Denver, providing comprehensive after school and summer programming to thousands of kids a year across 20 Club locations. At the Club, kids find safe spaces to grow, develop, and play; access social-emotional learning (SEL) support; build relationships with peers, mentors, and trusted adults; and participate in fun and educationally enriching activities.
Key Program Outcome Areas
ACADEMICS & CAREERS
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, academic programs give kids a space to explore, experiment and expand on the lessons learned during the school day. Educationally-enriching activities in every area of the Club – from the art room to the gym to the tech lab – are intentionally designed to foster skill-building and spark kids’ passion for learning.
100%
of high school seniors took the ACT, SAT, or other entrance exam.*
CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP
Clubs provide kids and teens with opportunities to grow as leaders. Our youth-driven programs equip young leaders with the tools they need to take initiative in personally meaningful ways. Leadership clubs, peer-mentoring opportunities, and service opportunities encourage kids to develop into responsible, confident, caring leaders – in their Clubs, neighborhoods, and beyond.
250
kids and teens participated in leadership programs, 85% of which said these programs helped them build confidence and leadership skills.*
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, kids of all ages practice building healthy habits for their minds and bodies. Every day we provide kids with the tools they need to envision and build a healthy life and say no to risky behaviors.
90%
of surveyed Club members said they had lifetime abstinence from cigarettes, 87% from alcohol, and 85% from marijuana.*
MENTAL HEALTH
The mental health of kids and teens is a top priority for our organization. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver has 11 full-time mental health professionals who are available to address the needs of the kids and families we serve. In FY22, each of our 20 Clubs received a minimum of two visits a week from our mental health team. These staff facilitated individual connection sessions and small social-emotional learning groups that support a wide range of mental health needs, including helping kids understand their emotions and navigate challenges. Additionally, our mental health team connected families with bigger needs to outside mental health and therapy providers.
*2021-2022 NYOI Club Member Data
5,000
hours of support have been provided by our Mental Health Team in the form of 1:1 intervention and SEL groups.
Fundamental Program Pillars
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the foundation of all Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver programming. Through this programming, Club members participate in small SEL groups, facilitated by licensed mental health professionals, structured around the evidence-based Ladders curriculum, where kids in kindergarten through 12th grade practice navigating big emotions, discover self-identity, and explore healthy relationships. We also work with community partners to provide evidence-based, culturally-responsive, and age-appropriate curricula so every kid can develop leadership skills and respond to challenges with resilience.
SUMMER PROGRAMMING
Kids in our summer program have safe, fun, and enriching summers as they explore outdoor adventures, learn exciting new skills, and build their leadership abilities! For a low- or no-cost registration fee, Metro Denver families can enroll their kids in summer programming at the Clubs. Kids who attend during the summer go on field trips, make new friends, play sports, and visit Gates Camp, our summer camp in Ward, Colorado. At camp, kids get to try a variety of activities – many that are brand new to them – like archery, canoeing, and ropes courses.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is proud to partner with people, institutions, and organizations across the metro area to provide unique and expansive opportunities for kids to reach their full potential. We work with schools, neighbors, businesses, volunteers, families, foundations, and other partner organizations to open doors for kids and with kids in our communities. These partnerships allow us to do more of what we do best: provide kids with access to opportunities and break down barriers to help them reach their greatest potential.