Boys and Girls Clubs Alaska

Mission: To empower and inspire the diverse youth of Alaska to realize their full potential by offering them hope, opportunity and a safe environment in which to grow.

The Boys & Girls Clubs Alaska opened its doors in 1966 out of a need for more safe places, positive adult mentors, and fun for kids and teens in Alaska. Now, the organization includes 23 Clubs in both rural and urban areas across the State, as well as licensed Child Care and recreational Athletics programs in Anchorage. There are Boys & Girls Clubs in every region of Alaska, most Clubs are located in communities only accessible by boat or plane. In all of Alaska's communities, youth need a safe and positive place to go when school is out. Boys & Girls Clubs are youth-friendly facilities staffed with positive Youth Development Professionals who provide community-driven services and programs for youth ages 7-18. Boys & Girls Clubs are highly inclusive, welcoming youth from all walks of life. A membership to the Club requires no proof of character and in most locations Membership is free.

The Club works to meet its mission by offering a variety of activities and programs that build feelings of belonging, usefulness, competence and influence. By instilling these mindsets, Club Staff can help Members pursue their interests, plan for their futures, build life skills and fully realize their potential. This youth development strategy is delivered through programs in five core areas: Education & Career Exploration; Character & Leadership Development; Health & Life Skills; Sports, Fitness & Recreation; and the Arts. These programs are offered in facilities maintained and staffed by the Club. Some communities are able to support their local Club by providing utilities, heating fuel, or rent free of cost. Even so, the cost of operating quality youth development programs with caring, positive mentors in rural and urban Alaska are high. Funds contributed through the Pick.Click.Give. program will be spent to help the Club achieve its mission. Funds will be used to maintain safe, clean and warm facilities that are accessible and welcoming to youth. They will also be used for supplies to run programs that inspire and educate youth to build a great future, and for Youth Development Professionals who mentor every child who walks through the door.