Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady

The Mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

We provide

• A safe place to learn and grow
  
• Ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals
  
• Life-enhancing programs and character development experiences
  
• Hope and opportunity
  
  From our mission to practices and programs, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady still makes it possible to open up a world of opportunities to youth for a nominal membership fee of $5.00 per year. We are the largest agency provider of services to the youth who need us most in Schenectady County serving over 3,300 members and reaching over 12,700 total youth in 2015.
  
  We serve youth ages 6 to 18 in our five clubhouses at MLK School, Mont Pleasant, Rotterdam, Steinmetz Homes and Yates Village. Other programs include Job Junction and six after-school programs at Schenectady High School, Mont Pleasant Middle School, Oneida, Central Park, Keane, and Lincoln.
  
  Our summer programs include Camp Lovejoy and the Summer Program at the Rotterdam Club (SPARC). This summer we will again be operating programs at Quackenbush Park, Hillhurst Park, Steinmetz Park, Woodlawn Park and Central Park, including three City swimming pools. We also teach a Career Exploration Workshop at Schenectady County Community College for all students in Summer Youth Employment.
  
  We offer a broad range of programs in five core areas:
  · Education & Career Development
  · Character & Leadership Development
  · Health & Life Skills
  · The Arts & Sports
  · Fitness & Recreation
  
  Diverse program activities allow youth to choose programs of interest to them on a daily basis. Activities are generally carried out in three basic approaches: individual, small group (structured) and large group (drop-in or unstructured). Every effort is made to establish trusting relationships with young people. We provide youth with support and encouragement to reach their full potential. Club activities will increase youth’s cognitive skills such as analytical thinking and decision-making, develop social and emotional maturity and enhance physical skills and self-expression.
  
  Among our tested and effective programs are:
  · SMART Moves (drug, alcohol and pregnancy prevention)
  · Street SMART (gang prevention)
  · SMART Girls (health and self-esteem enhancement for girls 8-17)
  · Passport to Manhood (responsible decision-making for teen boys)
  · Career Launch (job readiness and vocational exploration)
  · Diplomas2Degrees (teen college prep)
  · Project Learn (academic achievement)
  · Money Matters (financial literacy)
  · Triple Play (health and fitness)
  · Youth for Unity, A World of Difference and Virtues Initiation Program (character education)
  · Club Tech And Digital Arts Suite
  · Visual and Performing Arts
  · TEAM mentoring