301 Foundation

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

All kids deserve the right to be themselves, feel a sense of belonging and have access to opportunities that support their great futures.

Inspiring Positive Change

Our mission centers around nurturing the enormous potential inside every young person.

 Kids and teens deserve access to experiences and opportunities that change their lives for the better – regardless of their socio-economic status, color of their skin or other factors that contribute to inequity or prejudice in the U.S. today.

Clubs provide inclusive environments where youth of all races, abilities, gender expressions and backgrounds are encouraged to express themselves and deepen their understanding of and respect for others. Through community service, leadership programs and elevating their voices on critical issues such as race equity and social justice, Club kids and teens work together to create positive change and envision a better tomorrow.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America is committed to furthering our national Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts by:

Imagine a place where who you are, where you’re from or the circumstances that surround you don’t determine your access to experiences or opportunities. Through your support, Boys & Girls Clubs are making that vision a reality — in your community and communities around the world.

Our Mission

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

Our Vision

Provide a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We believe every kid has what it takes. The mission and core beliefs of Boys & Girls Clubs fuel our commitment to promoting safe, positive and inclusive environments for all. Boys & Girls Clubs of America supports all youth and teens – of every race, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, ability, socio-economic status, and religion – in reaching their full potential.

Our Great Past

Boys & Girls Clubs of America had its beginnings in 1860 with three women in Hartford, Connecticut - Mary Goodwin, Alice Goodwin and Elizabeth Hammersley. Believing that boys who roamed the streets should have a positive alternative, they organized the first Club. With character development as the cornerstone of the experience, the Club focused on capturing boys interests, improving their behavior and increasing their personal expectations and goals. A cause was born.

In 1906, several Boys Clubs decided to affiliate. The Federated Boys Clubs in Boston was formed with 53 member organizations – this marked the start of a nationwide Movement and our national organization.

In 1906, several Boys Clubs decided to affiliate. The Federated Boys Clubs in Boston was formed with 53 member organizations – this marked the start of a nationwide Movement and our national organization.

In 1906, several Boys Clubs decided to affiliate. The Federated Boys Clubs in Boston was formed with 53 member organizations – this marked the start of a nationwide Movement and our national organization.

In 1906, several Boys Clubs decided to affiliate. The Federated Boys Clubs in Boston was formed with 53 member organizations – this marked the start of a nationwide Movement and our national organization.

In 1906, several Boys Clubs decided to affiliate. The Federated Boys Clubs in Boston was formed with 53 member organizations – this marked the start of a nationwide Movement and our national organization.

Through it all, kids have been our #1 priority.

Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe haven for more than 4 million youth, giving them an opportunity to discover their great futures. But millions of kids are still in need, and we can’t close the opportunity gap alone. You can make a life-changing difference today!
Help put another kid on the path to a great future.
Have a year-round impact on a child's .

Were you a Club kid?

Once a Club kid, always a Club kid. Please take a moment to make sure you’re a part of the Alumni & Friends network!