For millions of young people, returning to school each year is a time to reconnect with peers and get back to academic development. Unfortunately, despite their earnestness to succeed, many children begin the school year short of the resources they need.
According to Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), school supplies cost an average of $529 per student, an amount that’s a heavy burden for some families. Recognizing that a lack of supplies can quickly result in students falling behind their peers, BGCA partnered with a number of brands in 2023 to ensure young people returning to school have what they need to succeed.
Using donations collected through purchases from retailers like adidas, Family Dollar, Kohl’s, Forever 21, and others, BGCA will be able to further support young people in their learning. In July, many of these and other partner brands promoted the fundraising campaigns by hosting kickoff events.
While having notebooks and pencils is important, support for students extends beyond providing them with supplies. With students spending only 20 percent of their time in the classroom, the need for structure outside of school is vital.
This is where, according to research, after-school programs come in. Beyond yielding academic benefits—children get better grades and achieve higher test scores—after-school programs can promote social-emotional learning. As the United States experiences a youth mental-health crisis, these programs serve as much-needed resource for young people to build resiliency, develop empathy, and heal from trauma.
Among the many people who recognize the importance of after-school programs is Courtney B. Vance. The ambassador for BGCA’s Alumni Hall of Fame, the actor had his life changed through his childhood experience with BGCA. In an opinion piece published in USA Today at the start of the 2019 school year, he discussed the transformational effect that after-school programs can have on a young person’s development.
Unfortunately, today, 25 million youth lack access to after-school programs. In addition, 7.7 million are alone and unsupervised after the bell rings. Through donations made to BGCA, the organization is working to reach these young people in order to help them have a brighter future.
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