Providing fun, innovative academic programs
for youth and teens.
At Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities (BGCTC), we believe every young person deserves the chance to thrive in school and beyond. With the right support, encouragement, and opportunities, our youth can rise above challenges and turn their potential into powerful success.
That’s why our North Star goal is clear: every Club member on track for a successful future after high school graduation.
In 2025, we’re taking Academic Success to the next level. We are delivering more targeted, consistent, and personalized support than ever before – raising grades and building confidence in every learner.
This year, we have elevated our academic approach by equipping our staff with LETRS Teacher Certification training (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), giving them the tools to better support literacy skill development at every age. We’ve also introduced Lexia Learning Systems, an adaptive, research-based reading program that meets each student at their reading level and helps them progress at their own pace.
While building strong literacy skills is a key focus, BGCTC’s Academic Success program also helps members excel in math and explore STEAM subjects – ensuring they gain the confidence, curiosity, and knowledge to thrive in every area of learning.
But we can’t stop here. This year’s Success Ahead campaign is running NOW through October 15, 2025, and your support will help ensure that every child in our Clubs is prepared to succeed in the classroom and in life.
Whether one-time or monthly, your contribution will put academic achievement within reach for hundreds of BGCTC kids and teens.
Together, we can make 2025 a breakthrough year for our young scholars.
-Terryl Brumm | President & CEO
Your gift to Success Ahead will directly support critical needs for young people this school year:
$25: Three books for literacy programs
$50: Ten STEAM kits for hands-on learning
$100: “Welcome Back” school supplies bucket for one BGCTC Club member
$500: 15 Lexia Reading/Literacy Student Subscriptions
$1,000: Week-long in-person Academic Success programming for 10 BGCTC Club members
Celebrating Our 2025 LETRS Graduates!
In July 2025, 20 of our staff members earned their LETRS Certifications, equipping them with advanced skills to help every child become a confident reader!
NEW Lexia Learning Systems Curriculum
Lexia Learning’s Core5® Reading (K–5) and PowerUp Literacy (6–8) are adaptive, research-based programs that personalize reading instruction to develop foundational literacy skills, close learning gaps, and accelerate student progress.
FASTBridge Assessments
At BGCTC, we know there is great value in assessing the youth we serve to be sure that they have access to the support they need to be successful! FASTBridge is a Math and Reading assessment tool that combines computer adaptive testing with curriculum-based measures...
Emmanuel’s Story
*Emmanuel is a third grader at the Al Lenzmeier West Side Club and has attended nearly every day since kindergarten. This includes participating in small group tutoring during the Covid-19 pandemic. Emmanuel has been working one-on-one with staff on his English...
Success Ahead: Benji’s Story
enji is a first grader and club member attending at our West Side Club in St. Paul and takes part in our Numeracy Enrichment program. From Fall to Winter, he has moved from the high-risk category in Math to the low-risk category.
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.