Youth Development Outcomes

The Boys & Girls Club Movement seeks to help all youth live full, satisfying and productive lives. The Youth Development Outcomes summarized below describes our expectations and goals for young people in our Club. These outcomes encompass behaviors, knowledge, skills, values and motivation. Special attention must be paid to assuring that outcomes are achieved inclusive of ethnicity and gender. You who enter the world with the capacities described can become responsible citizens and leaders who are able to support themselves and live successful lives.

Positive Self-Identity: Youth have a healthy concept, a strong belief in their own self-worth and a sense of hope about their future. They are adept at setting and attaining goals, confidently making the necessary decisions to achieve their life plans.
Competencies: Youth have the knowledge, skills, strategies and attitudes necessary to have a positive foundation for success. Youth become competent by mastering tasks, demonstrating to themselves that they can do things well. They develop competence in the following areas:
- Educational: Youth are proficient in basic educational disciplines and have the capacity to utilize technology. Having graduated from High School, they are motivated to pursue learning opportunities throughout their lives.
- Employment: Youth have the skills and attributes to be successful in the work force. They are motivated to constantly develop new skills and hone existing skills to maintain a competitive edge.
- Social: Youth are able to develop and sustain positive relationships with others.
- Emotional: Youth are able to recognize, reflect on and appropriately express their emotions, manage stress and cope with positive and adverse situations.
- Cultural: Youth have an understanding and respect for their own cultural identity and for the cultures of others; they are able to contribute in a multicultural society and demonstrate tolerance for differences among people
Community and Civic Involvement: Youth have a sense of belonging to their community, family, and/or group and are willing to take civic responsibility. They work closely with others to contribute to the greater good.
Health and Well-Being: Youth live healthy lifestyles, take part in regular fitness activities, are able to access health care resources and engage in positive behaviors. They use sound judgment about personal safety, nutrition, and avoidance of alcohol, drugs, and premature sexual activity.
Moral Compass: Youth have values enabling them to develop positive relationships with others. These values include honesty, a sense of justice and fairness, respect, caring, and spirituality.

Our challenge in the Boys & Girls Club Movement is to engage youth in activities that are fun and enjoyable while supporting development of the capacities described above. This is accomplished through Club programs and in discussions between Club staff and Club Members. We cannot achieve these outcomes without caring, capable staff who forge relationships with our Club Members and influence their ability to succeed in life.