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.
Success Ahead: Reading and Literacy Enrichment
At the clubs, we know the importance of learning through play and strive to provide exciting, hands-on activities to make learning fun! This summer, the youth at our Jerry Gamble club had a blast working on their sight word recognition…
Success Ahead: Nia’s Story
Mia is a fifth-grade student attending the Jerry Gamble Club in North Minneapolis and a BGCTC Club 52 Member, meaning she attends the Club often. From fall to winter, she moved from the high-risk category in reading to the some-risk category and raised her cumulative score by 15 points…
Success Ahead: Amelia
Amelia*, a third grader, began attending the Boys & Girls Club this summer to receive academic support. When Amelia first started attending the Club, she was very shy and reserved. Over time, the Club has brought out her energetic side! Ms. Kelsey, a staff member,...
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.