Teen Impact

Impact Numbers

449

Teens Attended the Club in 2023

93%

of Teens Feel like Adults at the Club Care About Them

85%

of Teens Feel like Adults at the Club Take the Time to Talk to Them

Our Why

Not long after the start of the school year, we have seen many new 7th grade members join our program. While doing new family orientations and meeting the new members, I have consistently heard from guardians that their member doesn't really have any friends and are looking for other teens with similar interest to hang out with. 


During our open time at Club members are able to participate in activities that they enjoy, and before staff could even introduce the new members to each other, they had already found one another! Our members have been so open to letting others join them for activities that they enjoy, whether that's doing art, playing games, or even just sitting in the corner working on homework, or watching their favorite videos, everyone has someone they can do their favorite activities with.


Going and visiting each group of Teens is akin to stepping into a different community each time, and it has been an absolute honor and pleasure to be able to see it on a day-to-day basis. We will continue to strive to make an environment where everyone is comfortable being themselves as well as participating in the activities that they love the most.


- De'Vonne Jackson, Teen Center Director

Did you know?

In 2023, nearly all (96%) of Boys & Girls Club of Portage County teens reported feeling accepted for who they are when they are at the Club, compared to 70% of Portage County middle school students on the 2021 YRBS (Youth Risk Behavior Survey) who feel they belong at school.

Research by Boys & Girls Clubs and other programs show that when youth have a high-quality experience in afterschool, they are more likely to achieve stronger results – in academic, character, health, social and behavioral outcomes.


High-quality programs are linked to gains in academic performance, school attendance, student engagement, motivation and effort, and positive states of mind – as well as decreases in aggression, misconduct and illegal substance use.


Research and experience tell us that the longer and more often young people come to the Club, the more they achieve. Our goals are to increase the number of youth who attend the Club at least 104 times per year (about twice a week), and to retain younger members as they grow into teens.