The Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha’s Character & Leadership Development programs help youth become responsible, caring citizens and acquire skills to participate the democratic process. Program participants also develop leadership skills and gain opportunities for planning, decision-making, contributing to Club and community and celebrating our national heritage.
Keystone Club
Keystone Club is The Boys & Girls Club Movement’s ultimate teen program.
Keystone Clubs provide leadership development and service opportunities for young people ages 14 to 18. Youth participate in activities in three focus areas: academic success, career preparation and community service. With the guidance of an adult advisor, Keystone Clubs aim to have a positive impact on members, the Club and community.
Youth of the Year
Youth of the Year is our signature effort to foster a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy.
In the 21st-century world and workplace, leadership skills such as communication, goal-setting and teamwork are essential for everyone – especially young people preparing to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. Youth of the Year is BGCA’s premier youth recognition program for Club members. All members can benefit from participation in this program, which promotes and celebrates service to Club, community and family; academic performance; moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability.
The Youth of the Year program is a year-round tool for fostering young people’s character, personal growth and leadership qualities. Each year, one exceptional Club member is selected to be the BGCK Youth of the Year, serving as an ambassador and a voice for our Club’s youth. Over the years, these individuals have exemplified the Boys & Girls Club mission and are proof to the impact Clubs make in transforming and saving youths’ lives.
Becoming National Youth of the Year is an exciting and inspiring journey. Each year, thousands of Club teens participate in local, state and regional Youth of the Year events. Winners at each event can receive scholarships ranging from $1,000 (state winner) to $50,000 (national winner). Six teens, including five regional winners and a national military youth winner, advance to the National Youth of the Year Celebration, where one outstanding young person is named Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national teen spokesperson. The National Youth of the Year is a role model, leader and advocate for over 3.6 million youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs each year, and all of America’s young people.
The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $50,000 scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States.
