Our History
When It All Began
A Cause Was Born.
Founded in 1944, Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley (BGCSV) is a non-profit youth development organization that offers innovative and effective afterschool and summer enrichment programs primarily for low income, at-risk Santa Clara County youth ages 5-18 years.
BGCSV serves 5,000+ regular members at 40 Clubhouses locations in San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy and beyond.
To inspire and empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring adults.
The majority of the youth we serve are living in economically depressed, high-crime neighborhoods with an absence of role models or mentors and a lack of access to opportunity. We aim to help close the opportunity gap for these youth and the communities they live in, ensuring greater economic, political, and social equality.
BGCSV takes a holistic approach to creating well-rounded, confident, and healthy youth and aims to provide programs and services that speak to all aspects of a child’s development.
Our innovative approach allows us to engage young people in activities with adults, peers, and family members that enable them to develop self-esteem and to reach their full potential.
The Club provides nationally recognized programs in six core areas, tailored to the physical, emotional, cultural, and social needs and interests of its members.
To provide a world-class Club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through our doors, with all members on track to graduate high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.
Our programs are designed to serve at risk youth ages 4-18+ years in Title 1 schools who are not meeting academic proficiencies.
Since the very first Club opened in 1944 with the purpose of giving local kids a safe place to go, safety has been the No. 1 priority of Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley. Layers of safety policies and guidelines create a safe, fun environment so kids can achieve.
To meet the evolving safety needs of kids, families, and communities, Boys & Girls Clubs works continuously to enhance our policies, practices, and trainings to ensure youth are safe and protected.
At Boys & Girls Clubs, kids and teens can rely on a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment where they can focus on what’s most important—being a kid.
It’s not just a job – it’s a calling. At the heart of every Boys & Girls Club are the passionate staff members who work towards bettering the future for youth and their communities.
Meet the dynamic team leading Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley’s efforts to ensure every young person in our community has the great future they deserve.
Meet the dynamic team leading Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley’s efforts to ensure every young person in our community has the great future they deserve.
Learn more about the work the Club is doing. Our annual report is filled with reflections and highlights from the last year, including stories of resilience, hope, and success.
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“My son interacts more with other children and he’s not as shy as before. This program helped my son feel more confident speaking with other kids.”
“They are very caring and considerate of others’ feelings. They make you feel like family.”
“This program is a huge benefit for our child and all the kids in our school. He gets fed, help with homework, and a chance to play with his peers every day…we’re very fortunate to have such incredible staff that are dedicated to serving the people in our community.”
“It has been an absolute lifesaver.”
“Staff take good care of my kids, they feel safe. They help guide them and communicate great with them. I have never heard any complaints from any staff member. Kids not only request to attend after-school program but also the summer.”