Growing up can be hard. As tweens and teens transition from adolescence into adulthood, they are at a critical juncture in their lives where they are developing their identities, values, and aspirations. The physical, social and emotional changes they experience can be a challenge to face. Combined with academic demands, peer pressure, and societal expectations, teens and tweens especially need support as they grow and learn.
Youth mentors can help mold confident teenagers with critical thinking skills who can use their voices constructively and understand how their purpose intersects with the world around them. Young people gain resilience and resolve to confront life’s challenges when they have a secure inclusive environment where they can express themselves, have enriching experiences, and gain access to empowering opportunities.
Lilly Endowment Inc, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and 31 Indiana Boys & Girls Club Organizations have partnered together to enhance and expand support for Indiana’s youth with caring mentors, safe spaces and life-enhancing experiences. Recently Boys & Girls Clubs received a $30 million grant to pioneer a multi-year, statewide strategic plan in new initiatives, investments and facility upgrades to reach tweens and teens with critical support throughout Indiana.
Charting the Course for Growth: Putting the Plan in Action
Boys & Girls Club’s plan to reach more young people involves boosting teen membership by 30%. In Indiana’s Five-Year Statewide Strategic Plan, Clubs have pinpointed the expansion of teen programming as an essential aspect of achieving this goal. When teens have the opportunity to channel their energy, interests and talents into positive and constructive outlets, they thrive! Thoughtful, engaging teen mentoring programs help youth fosters skills, relationships and a sense of belonging. More importantly, when teens feel seen, heard and supported, they are more self-assured in determining their unique paths.
A central strategy of expanding youth support is to make sure that programming reflects what tweens and teens care about most—getting ready for the real world. To fully comprehend the needs and desires of the state’s youth, 30 Indiana Club organizations will participate in tween and tween accelerator training. During this training, Clubs will have the opportunity to learn how to improve their outreach efforts, create impactful life and workforce readiness programs, and elevate the voices of youth in their communities.
How Clubs Steer Tweens & Teens Toward Bright Futures
Indiana Clubs and their programming aim to help young people strike out on a path toward success by empowering them in three core areas.
Growth, Leadership and Hands-On Experience . Youth development and leadership activities help young people gain expertise in self-governance, teamwork and community leadership. Clubs provide youth with special programs that help kids learn planning, problem-solving, and effective communication skills they can apply to every aspect of life.
Workforce Readiness. When kids are encouraged to dream big, they are empowered to unlock and realize their potential. Clubs provide activities that expose kids and teens to the world of work, while providing job readiness skills and the chance to see how their learning connects to future jobs, goals and aspirations.
Supportive Environments. Clubs provide a safe space where teens can discover themselves, receive encouragement, and seize exciting opportunities like Youth of the Year. Clubs also offer support in academic endeavors, improving grades and achieving educational goals. Moreover, Clubs foster long-lasting friendships and relationships to create a sense of community and belonging.
Helping Today’s Youth Become Tomorrow’s Trailblazers
Thanks to the support of BGCA and a steadfast partner like Lilly Endowment Inc, a philanthropic foundation with deep roots in the Hoosier state, more kids and teens throughout Indiana can engage in life-changing programs and build meaningful connections with peers and caring adults. Established in 1937 by the Lilly family, the endowment is a driving force behind community development and education. Their partnership with BGCA and Boys & Girls Clubs in Indiana reflects their deep commitment to building youth leaders by creating a positive and lasting impact in the lives of young people. To learn more about the collective impact of Boys & Girls Clubs in Indiana, click here.