2 Equal Opportunity Education Reaching the kids who fall on the wrong side of the achievement gap
6 A Season for Learning How Clubs use the Summer Brain Gain program to keep kids’ academic skills sharp
8 Sparking Interest in STEM Preparing Club youth for the burgeoning tech-based economy Page 6
12 Small-Town Club Cultivates Big-time Support A rural Boys & Girls Club on the brink of closure turns to its community … and turns things around
CONTENTS
FEATURES
COLUMNS 10 President’s Report BGCA President and CEO Jim Clark
14 Child and Club Safety How chronic violence, poverty and related social conditions are damaging developing brains and bodies Page 8
16 View from the Potomac Academic Success and Government Relations
ON THE COVER Academic Success is one of the three key outcome areas (along with Good Character and Citizenship and Healthy Lifestyles) where Boys & Girls Clubs focus their efforts to ensure youth develop into well-rounded individuals with a plan for the future.
Page 12 Yo u c a n a l s o f i n d C o n n e c t i o n s o n l i n e a t
W W W. B G C A . O R G / C O N N E C T I O N S