
Programs & Services
Academic Success
Academic Success is a club that offers daily homework help, grade monitoring, and personalized support, leading to 80% of members improving from C’s or below to A’s and B’s. We also provide Summer Brain Gain to keep students engaged over breaks. Club members are more likely to stay on track for graduation, excel in reading and math, and perform better academically than non-club students.
Sports & Recreation
The Sports and Recreation program offers youth a variety of physical activities, from team sports to individual fitness challenges, promoting teamwork, discipline, and healthy lifestyles. With a focus on fun and fitness, participants develop athletic skills, build confidence, and learn the value of teamwork and sportsmanship. The program encourages active living while fostering positive relationships and personal growth.
The Arts
The Arts Program offers youth the opportunity to explore various art media, from crafts to advanced artistic practices, while also fostering social and emotional learning through creativity. With guidance from professional artists and volunteer instructors from Western Kentucky University’s Art Department, students develop their artistic skills and emotional expression. The program provides a supportive environment where youth can grow creatively and personally.
Leadership & Service
The Leadership and Service Program empowers youth to engage in volunteer projects and philanthropy, giving back to their club and community. Through hands-on service opportunities, participants develop leadership skills, responsibility, and a deep sense of community care. The program fosters personal growth and instills the values of giving back, helping shape the next generation of thoughtful, engaged leaders.
Digital Literacy
The Digital Literacy program provides youth with hands-on experience in a tech lab, teaching safe internet use and basic software skills. Through brain games and collaborative research projects, students build their confidence and proficiency in navigating various technologies. The program helps youth become more comfortable and competent in using digital tools for learning and everyday tasks.
Spirit of Giving Event
​The Spirit of Giving Event is our club's largest volunteer event, held annually for over 18 years, where we provide over 100 youth in need with the gift of Christmas. Through a partnership with Walmart and the support of 150+ local volunteers and donors, we take each child shopping for basic needs and special wants. This heartwarming event brings the community together each December to make the holiday season brighter. To sponsor a child, it costs $200. For more information about this year's event, please reach out to the club!
Health & Wellness
The Health and Wellness Program focuses on mental health and emotional well-being for our youth. In partnership with Bluegrass Professional Counseling, we provide access to licensed therapists and certified yoga instructors. Additionally, through United Healthcare, youth with the insurance carrier receive free yearly club memberships. These services offer safe, supportive opportunities to develop emotional control, coping strategies, and social wellness, helping young people navigate life's challenges with resilience and confidence.
Federal Mentoring Program
The OJJDP (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention) provides resources and funding to support after-school programs that offer mentorship and guidance to at-risk youth. In our program, we use OJJDP’s framework to offer structured mentorship opportunities, connecting youth with caring adult role models who provide support in academics, personal development, and life skills. This mentorship helps foster positive relationships, reduces risky behaviors, and empowers youth to make better choices, setting them on a path toward success.
Money Matters
The Money Matters program teaches youth the basics of financial literacy, including budgeting, saving, and managing money. Through interactive lessons and real-world applications, participants learn essential skills to make informed financial decisions and build a strong foundation for their future financial well-being.
Design & Fabrication
The Design and Fabrication program introduces youth to cutting-edge technology like laser printers, engraving machines, 3D printers, and sublimation equipment. Youth learn how to operate these tools to create custom designs and products, ranging from personalized items to creative projects. They also have the opportunity to produce items for the BGC Mercantile, where their creations are displayed and available for purchase, giving them hands-on experience in design, production, and entrepreneurship.
Smart Girls
The Smart Girls Program is designed to empower young women to grow into confident, responsible, and caring individuals. Participants learn valuable life skills, from building self-esteem to setting boundaries, managing emotions, and fostering healthy relationships. The program focuses on personal development, leadership, and creating a supportive environment for young girls to thrive and become positive role models in their community.
Teen Force Program
The Teen Force program is a workforce development initiative that helps youth build soft skills, explore careers, and plan for education and employment. Through partnerships with Level All, local industries, the Transfr VR Program, and the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, youth gain hands-on experience, paid internships, and career planning support.Teen Force prepares youth for success in both their careers and education.
Dance Club
The Dance Club, in partnership with SOMA Center for the Arts, offers youth the opportunity to learn a variety of dance styles in a supportive and creative environment. Through expert instruction and collaborative practice, members develop technique, rhythm, and self-expression. The club promotes teamwork, confidence, and artistic growth, helping young dancers build both skills and a passion for movement.
Content Creation Club
The Content Creation Club (C3) is a dynamic space where young creators come together to learn and develop their skills in marketing, media production, and digital design. Members explore tools like Canva, Adobe Spark, and other creative software to design graphics, videos, and social media content. The club focuses on building a strong foundation in digital marketing strategies and content creation, offering hands-on workshops, collaborative projects, and expert guidance. It’s a supportive environment where members can share ideas, grow their portfolios, and gain practical experience for future creative careers.
Smart Moves
SMART Moves (Skills Mastery and Resistance Training) is a youth development program designed to help young people resist the pressures of substance abuse, peer pressure, and unhealthy behaviors. It focuses on building life skills like decision-making, goal-setting, and effective communication. Through interactive lessons and activities, participants learn how to handle challenging situations, improve their self-esteem, and make positive choices. The program empowers youth to take control of their lives, build resilience, and make healthy, responsible decisions as they grow.
What's Next?
At the club, we're always looking to meet youth where they are and provide new opportunities for growth and learning. If you have skills or hobbies you'd like to share, we welcome volunteers who can inspire and mentor our young people. Whether you’re interested in leading a workshop, coaching a team, or sharing your expertise, there’s a place for you here. We’re also seeking sponsors to support our programs and make a lasting impact in the lives of our youth. To get involved, reach out to a club professional or stop by the club to learn more about how you can help shape the future of our community.
Passport to Manhood
Passport to Manhood is a program designed to help young men develop into responsible, caring individuals. Participants learn important life skills, from how to tie a tie to how to treat others with respect, set boundaries, and manage emotions. The program fosters growth in character and leadership, empowering young men to build confidence, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills.
Anime Club
The Youth Anime Club is a vibrant community where young enthusiasts gather to explore the rich world of anime and its cultural impact. Each meeting features discussions about the latest series, classic shows, and the themes they explore, from storytelling to animation techniques. The club also celebrates the artistry and creativity behind anime, hosting movie nights, cosplay events, and art showcases. It’s a space for members to connect, learn, and share their passion for animation in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
BGC Mercantile
The BGC Mercantile is a youth-led micro storefront where members can use "BGC Bucks"—earned through positive behaviors, leadership, and demonstrating club principles—to purchase snacks, toys, and club-designed merchandise. The store not only rewards youth for their actions but also supports the Teen Force initiative by providing hands-on job skills. Youth are responsible for running the store, learning key skills in customer service, inventory management, and teamwork, all while earning play money for exceptional behavior. This experience helps build work readiness and fosters a sense of responsibility, while creating a fun and motivating way for youth to engage with their community.
Farm to Table
The Farm to Table Club teaches youth gardening, food preservation, kitchen safety, and meal preparation to promote self-sustainability. Members learn to grow food, preserve harvests, and cook healthy meals. The club is currently seeking funding support for a new campus garden, set to launch in 2025, to expand its hands-on learning opportunities and strengthen its focus on sustainability.
SOAR
SOAR Positive Action is a program designed to promote positive behavior, academic success, and personal development among youth. It focuses on building life skills, enhancing self-esteem, and fostering a growth mindset. The program encourages young people to set goals, develop leadership qualities, and engage in community service, all while learning strategies for making healthy decisions and overcoming challenges. SOAR Positive Action aims to empower youth to take responsibility for their actions, build strong relationships, and make positive contributions to their communities.
Summer Camp
Our Summer Camp offers an enriching all-day program for youth during school breaks, providing a safe, supportive environment where learning continues without gaps. Led by youth development professionals, the camp features high-yield activities that promote socialization, skill-building, and personal growth. Campers enjoy three nutritious meals a day, daily field trips, and engaging activities that foster creativity, teamwork, and academic development. With a focus on equity, the program ensures affordable, accessible childcare while keeping kids active, engaged, and connected all summer long.