Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia

To enable all young people, especially those who need us the most to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

• About Us
  Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia has been serving youth since 1887 when the Germantown Club first opened its doors. Since then we have expanded, providing quality programming to youth in neighborhoods across Philadelphia. Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. We strive to accomplish our mission by fostering creativity and opportunities for learning in five core areas: Education & Career Development, Character & Leadership Development, Health & Life skills, Arts & Culture, and Sports & Recreation. As an organization, we have regularly set the national standard. In 1892, our Nicetown Club opened, becoming the first Club to serve girls since its inception. Our Wissahickon Club, which opened in 1896, was the first in the nation to serve African American Youth. Our Clubs were part of the original Federated Boys Clubs that formed in 1906, the precursor to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
• Our Impact
  Currently, we serve Philadelphia’s youth at 18 Clubs throughout Philadelphia’s most impoverished communities. For the past 130 years, we have been dedicated to ensuring that Philadelphia’s most economically disadvantaged youth have opportunities to enhance their lives. In the neighborhoods we serve up to 80 percent of children live in poverty and on average just 62 percent of youth graduate high school. Last year we impacted over 8,900 young people, providing programs that promote academic success, good character & citizenship and healthy lifestyles. Through exposure to these programs we are able to give our members the skills they need to succeed in school and in life. Our comprehensive youth development strategy supports our vision of creating Bold Changes for Philadelphia’s kids and communities.