Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach

Our diplomas2Degrees program provides a transformative journey for our members, paving the way to academic success, and college and career opportunities. Through personalized guidance and mentorship, we empower students to achieve their educational aspirations, while honing essential skills for the workforce. From covering college application fees, to assisting with FAFSA applications, and providing scholarships, we ensure every participant is equipped to thrive in school, career, and beyond.

Our CEO and former board president know how crucial our diplomas2Degrees program is for shaping the future of our teens. That's why they're taking on the challenge of a 50k ultramarathon to raise support. Join them in empowering the next generation by donating to Long Beach Gives and cheering on Dr. Uba and Don as they go the extra mile for youth! 

General Information:

It takes a village! Our staff, volunteers, and community partners enable our Clubs to provide the most life-changing and supportive programming for youth in our community. In addition to academic tutoring and homework help, our Clubs support each child's social-emotional health and food insecurity, along with teaching them the skills needed to be successful adults.2For our Club wrap around services, it costs $1,500 per student, but we only charge $15 annually to ensure our most at-risk youth population can get the same experiences and opportunities as their more privileged peers.

During the school year, Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach (BGCLB) provides vital programming from Monday through Friday. BGCLB offers four hours of afterschool enrichment, including one hour of homework support and one hour of recreation. These services expand to full-day camp during the summer and spring break. Daily activities meet members' diverse needs and interests and typically fall into five core program areas:

- Leadership & Service: Empowers youth to support and influence their community through volunteering and leadership groups through programs such as Keystone Club (teen program that affords teens an opportunity to gain valuable leadership and service experience).

- Education & Career Development: Reinforces what is learned in school, provides tutoring, and offers college and career opportunity workshops to solidify and expand Club members' futures through programs such as Diplomas2Degrees (helps teen Club members overcome the college readiness gap by preparing them to succeed. This includes application support and funding along with distributing college scholarships).

- The Arts: Programs like Photography and the Drayton Drums program (teaches Club members drum and percussion skills as a mental health outlet) fosters creativity and gives members outlets for self-expression.

- Health & Wellness: Promotes lifestyles avoiding risky behaviors and juvenile delinquency while improving relationship skills with programs such as Brent's Club, a substance abuse prevention and education programs that supports the development of healthy and productive youth that are substance-free (in partnership with the Brent Shapiro Foundation for Alcohol and Drug Awareness).

- Sports & Recreation: Encourages teamwork, self-confidence, and leadership through sports leagues and recreation activities such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, and flag football.

Testimonials

"I used to feel lost and unsure about my future, but being a part of Diplomas2Degrees has given me so many opportunities to learn about different career paths I can take. It's like having a roadmap to success and I feel more confident about my ability to achieve my goals now." - male Club member, age 17