Boys and Girls Clubs of Austin and Travis County, Inc.

Through BGCAA programs we positively influence young people to combat the negative outcomes associated with growing up in an economically disadvantaged household. Through opportunities provided during out-of-school-time, BGCAA strives to promote and sustain self-sufficiency for children. We and provide a safe place for young people to enjoy positive ongoing relationships and life-enhancing activities that offer character and intellectual development, hope, and opportunity.

To most effectively impact the lives of young people through our mission and vision, we offer after school and summer programming in three Core Focus Areas: Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Character & Leadership. Academic Success programs enable youth to become proficient in basic educational disciplines, set goals, explore careers, prepare for employment or additional schooling, and embrace technology to achieve future success. Healthy Lifestyles programming develops young people's capacity to engage in positive behaviors that nurture their well-being, set personal health and nutrition goals, and engage young minds in the importance of active and healthy lives. Building Character & Leadership skills among our young members helps empower them to support and influence their Club and community, sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop a positive self-image, participate in the civic process, and respect their own and others' cultural identities.

BGCAA is a market leader in youth development, uniquely positioned to have a positive effect upon the region's youth. Everyday BGCAA serves over 2,800 kids, ages 6 to 18, at 332 locations throughout Travis and Bastrop counties, at schools, community centers, and public housing sites. Hispanic and African-American youth represent the two largest groups in our membership, at 60% and 21%, respectively. Of our members, 81% come from families who are economically-disadvantaged. Our Clubs provide free or low-cost out-of-school time opportunities and are intentionally located in neighborhoods that are home to our targeted population, where youth would otherwise be left alone unsafe, unsupervised, and unguided.

In the field of Academic Success, we are proud to share that once again, aggregate comparison data shows that youth who are purposefully engaged in BGCAA after school expanded learning and enrichment programs have higher attendance, promotion, and graduation rates, as well as less incidences of in-school and out-of-school suspensions than youth who do not participate in BGCAA. Our Healthy Lifestyles program had nearly 5,000 participants at 4,951 this calendar year. These programs deliver health and nutrition education, sports and fitness activities, and physical activities that are designed to prevent and combat obesity while teaching kids how to establish a healthy lifestyle they can maintain. Our Character & Leadership development culture has led to positive outcomes within our Clubs, with 89% of all BGCAA youth reporting that they stand up for what’s right, and that they believe they will make a positive difference in their community.