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BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF COLLIN COUNTY

Great Futures Start Here

Article by Niki Carbajal

Photography by Courtesy

Originally published in Celina Lifestyle

The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County (BGCCC) is to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Founded in McKinney in 1968 as the Boys Clubs of McKinney, it quickly expanded to encompass girls and all of Collin County in 1988. Currently serving more than 9,000 youth annually, each Club offers a safe place for children ages 5 to 18 to experience a variety of programs that speak to their emotional, educational, physical, and social development. 

Boys & Girls Clubs offer program activities in five core areas: 

  • Character & Leadership- Leadership programs for ages 11–13 are offered in the Torch Club and for ages 14-18 in the Keystone Club. Both groups focus on community service and outreach programs. 

  • Education & Career- Power Hour provides 45 minutes of homework help and tutoring after school to raise academic proficiency. Money Matters is a financial literacy program designed in partnership with Charles Schwab Foundation to educate students in investments, entrepreneurship, saving, and budgeting money. 

  • Health & Wellness- SMART Moves uses a team approach to promote abstinence from substance abuse and adolescent sexual involvement through the practice of responsible behavior. Healthy Habits promotes healthy lifestyles for the whole family with preventive screenings, nutrition, and exercise education. Triple Play is designed to address the body, mind, and soul through sports club activities, healthy habits and nutrition, and social recreation.

  • Sports & Recreation- Participants learn athletic skills, values of teamwork, good sportsmanship, anger management, and discipline. 

  • The Arts- Development and appreciation of arts using photography, performing arts, and creative writing. 

In addition to after-school programs, BGCCC also hosts an 8-week Summer Camp which is offered across Clubs and sites throughout Collin County. Summer camps include arts & crafts, STEM/robotics, field trips, outside play and activities, and other enrichment activities for youth. 

Programs are administered by staff and community volunteers and rely on financial and volunteer support from sponsors including Capital One, PepsiCo, Toyota, Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Dallas Mavericks, Coca-Cola, H-E-B, Texas Health Resources, and many others. Their financial investments and the engagement of partners across the community are making life-long impacts. In 2023, 8,921 students were served through the Clubs, providing 119,060 meals and snacks and 69,443 homework hours. Of those 8,921 children, 50% indicated their involvement in BGCCC saved their life, 100% were promoted to the next grade level, and 0 percent have been involved in the juvenile justice system.  Additionally, 100% of actively engaged high school seniors graduate and go on to college, trade school, or military acceptance, or prepare to enter the workforce.

Given that there are over 200,000 youths enrolled in Collin County schools today, with over 35,000 of those from low-income families, the need is greater than ever. Collin County residents can support the efforts of the BGCCC through making a one-time or monthly donation, hosting a fundraiser, volunteering time, or supporting the organization’s special events like the upcoming Cirque du Soiree 20th Anniversary Chrysalis Ball on October 12th at the Omni PGA in Frisco with Title Sponsor Ryan, LLC. “A Curiously Unexpected Evening” gala promises to entertain and embody BGCCC’s commitment to the inspiring aspirations of their youth. Sponsorships and tickets help ensure more kids are served more often, allowing BGCCC to continue to offer nationally recognized programs. Join us in our mission to shape the future leaders of our community.

At the BGCCC, the ability to grow and serve more of the youth in Collin County will set the framework for hope and opportunity, shaping our future leaders.

For more information about Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County, visit bgccc.org