Building the next generation

This week, several members of my team, including Diane Brown, event co-chair, and several of our business partners joined me at the North East Youth of the Year Gala for the Boys and Girls Club of America. Full disclosure – I am on the North East board. But I’m on the board as this is a cause that is dear to my heart.

The BGCA aims to give all children across the US access to experiences and opportunities through a series of tailored programs – the idea being to enable all young people, especially those who need help most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

There are thousands of clubs all across the country giving our young people aged 6-18 access to vital programs. These cover a wide variety of topics, from health and wellness to the arts, sports and recreation to character and leadership. For many years, I have driven a focus on STEM, and specifically, digital literacy, helping young people understand the role technology plays in their lives today and tomorrow, and providing skill building opportunities required by the digital economy. 

Youth of the Year is BGCA’s signature effort to foster a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy. This competitive program enables the best of the best across the Northeast BGCA clubs to compete for the ability to represent the Northeast for the National Youth of the Year title. The National winner will be afforded a college scholarship and become the National spokesperson for the BGCA.

From BGCA’s own outcome data, 80% of Club alumni said the Club had a positive impact on their attitude toward fitness and health; 12th-grade Club members are almost twice as likely to express an interest in a STEM career as 12th graders nationally; and 91% of members who attend Clubs regularly say they can stand up for what is right, even if their friends disagree. There are many more similar stats.

I believe we all have a responsibility to give the next generation the best possible start in life. And in my view, the BGCA plays a vital role in doing just that. I’m committed to the cause – but you can get involved too, whether by becoming a volunteer, donating, or starting a club of your own.

A huge thank you to my team and those very special business partners who joined me at the event this week. Not only did we help raise a lot of money to support this great cause, we also benefited – as ever – from spending time together. But mostly, thank you to the BGCA for continuing to focus on helping our young people. For over 100 years now, the BGCA has been quietly getting on with its great work. Let’s hope it’s just getting started.