Providing fun, innovative academic programs

for youth and teens.


Every day, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities’ (BGCTC) focus on advancing racial equity and economic mobility is activated through a comprehensive program delivery model serving age-specific and foundational learning needs. With a North Star goal of: All Members on track for a successful future beyond high school graduation, we are committed to investing in an approach that bridges opportunity gaps for young people and provides them a platform where they have voice and choice in creating a pathway designed to meet their interests, passions, and education needs.

BGCTC’s Academic Success program takes a holistic approach to education by intervening early to build foundational literacy and numeracy skills, establishing a solid base for lifelong learning. In middle school, the focus shifts to STEAM subjects and discovering individual skills and interests to prepare youth for the next stage of their academic journey. As teens enter high school, we provide the education and resources needed to create an individualized plan for graduation and develop a post-secondary path aligned with their chosen career.

BGCTC is striving to achieve greater and more consistent impact than ever before with the addition of THREE NEW CLUB SITES to serve an increased number of youth in the 2024-25 school year. You can help BGCTC kids and teens make academic gains by supporting Success Ahead running NOW through September 30, 2024. Help us make this school year a huge success for ALL BGCTC youth!

Your donation to Success Ahead TODAY will directly support critical needs for young people this school year:

$25: Three culturally appropriate books for literacy programs 

$50: Ten STEAM kits for hands-on learning 

$100: “Welcome Back” school supplies bucket for one BGCTC Club member 

$500: Teen Pathways Social Justice & Racial Equity Leadership Workshop; Town Halls & Advocacy Events 

$1,000: Week-long in-person Academic Success programming for 10 BGCTC Club members 

BGCTC’s Annual Spelling Bee

BGCTC’s Annual Spelling Bee

Spelling is a core component of BGCTC's K-8 Literacy programming. We know that building confidence in spelling leads to confidence in all aspects of literacy for our Club members. This year's BGCTC Annual Spelling Bee was a remarkable celebration of hard work,...

Phoebe’s Story

Phoebe’s Story

Phoebe*, a student at Al Lenzmeier West Side Club, is entering first grade this year. When she first joined the Club last year, she needed support and encouragement with literacy. Ms. Dee and other staff members worked closely with Phoebe, using flashcards and...

Literacy: The Foundation of Lifelong Learning and Education 

  • High-impact small-group model based on the Science of Reading
  • Quarterly FastBridge Reading assessments for all K-8 youth
  • 30 BGCTC staff members are currently enrolled in the Lexia Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) two-year certification program.