Leadership Overview
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, we empower our kids and teens to become young leaders. We show them the power and responsibilities of citizenship and expose them to different cultures. We teach them about potential career paths and help them develop skills related to interviewing and public speaking. Perhaps most important, we focus on the importance of building meaningful relationships, developing a strong self-image, and serving as a positive influence.
Kids Face Challenges Every Day
Many of our youth come from environments that aren’t as supportive as they need. They have little exposure to opportunities and may not have the resources or role models to chart a better path. Even though many of these kids don’t have much, we teach them they have the power to make change and give back.
Programs with Impact
Character and leadership are cornerstones in leading a successful, impactful, and fulfilling life. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, we are focused on building young leaders. Check out our programs!
Youth of the Year
Youth of the Year is a year-round character and leadership program that recognizes Boys & Girls Club members who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership skills, and service to the community. Aged 14-18, these teens are working hard, investing in themselves, and have their sights set on achieving a GREAT FUTURE. Every month, each of our Clubs honors a young man or woman who is leading in their Club and community. From this group, they choose one outstanding candidate to represent their Club at the annual Youth of the Year Awards & Dinner Celebration. Check out more about our Youth of the Year program!
SEE MOREKeystone Club
The Keystone Club is our signature leadership program for teens ages 14 to 18. Youth participate, both in and out of the Club, in activities in three focus areas: academic success, career preparation, and community service. Through the guidance of an adult advisor, Keystone Clubs aim to have a positive impact on members, the Club, and community.
Torch Club
Torch Clubs are chartered leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 11 to 13. Torch Club members learn to elect officers and work together to carry out activities. They work in collaboration with Keystone Club.
Passport to Manhood
Passport to Manhood teaches responsibility in Club boys ages 11 to13. Passport to Manhood consists of 10 sessions, each concentrating on Determination, Dedication, and Discipline as the foundation for successful manhood. The program is designed to help middle school boys develop positive self-concept, build awareness of the greater community and world, and set educational and career goals.
Teen Poetry Slam
Teen Poetry Slam is a program for middle and high school members aimed at helping develop writing and public speaking skills. It is taught in collaboration with Woodruff Art Center’s Arts for Learning. Teens study poetry, write original pieces, and compete in a poetry slam.
Learn how you can become a Program Partner today!
Check your Local Club page for more about the programs we offer at specific locations!
Our kids stand up for what is right!
92% feel they can speak up for what is right even if their friends disagree.
Our teens know the importance of giving back!
81% of our teens volunteer on at least a yearly basis.
Our members know it’s better to give than receive!
Check out this holiday video from our Lawrenceville kids and prepare to be inspired!
Our kids are leading in their communities!
2,324 Club members participated in leadership and self-empowerment programs that are helping them thrive.
These Programs Help Kids Succeed
Academic
Enroll Your Child Today
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta ignites the unlimited potential of kids and teens by creating safe, inclusive, and engaging environments. Ready to sign up? We can’t wait to meet you and your family! Find out next steps and get answers to frequently asked questions!
ENROLL NOW
Find a Club Near You
Our Clubs are kid-focused, fun, and engaging! We have 20+ Club locations in 11 counties in and around Atlanta. Nearly all of our spaces offer a learning center, game room, technology center, fine arts facility, full court gym, meeting rooms, athletic fields, and a dedicated space for teens. Want to find the Club that is right for your family? Check out our locations!
FIND A CLUBCharacter & Leadership News & Stories
Erin Mitchell Richeson Named Georgia Beverly Burton Board Member of the Year
Erin Mitchell Richeson has been honored as the Georgia Beverly Burton Board Member of the Year for the Boys and…
Celebrating BGCMA’s Spring 2024 L.E.A.Ders
Congratulations to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta's amazing emerging part-time leaders (and their dynamic mentors) of the Spring…
A Refined Masterpiece: BGCMA Celebrates 50 Graduating Seniors
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta celebrated 50 high school seniors on May 8 at the Riverside EpiCenter in…
Celebrating Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week: Recognizing Club Heroes
From April 22 to April 26, 2024, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) joins the nation in…
Spelman College English 390 Volunteer Day at Harland Club
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA)'s Marketing & Communications Department had a few extra hands this spring--thanks to…
Love All and Do Wrong to None: Emphasizing the Importance of Emotional Intelligence
Within the painted walls of the Harland Club, kids & teens have a safe place to learn, grow, and be…
Zombies, Museums, and College Campuses: A Harland Club Glimpse
A visit to the Harland Club revealed a wide variety of activities and opportunities for its members. Basketball, music making,…
Inaugural BGCMA Summer Symposium: Brilliant at the Basics
On May 25, more than 350 Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta staff members kicked off the summer with…
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta Members Prepare for College, Work & Life
College ready. Work ready. Life ready. That’s the goal for all youth at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta…
BGCMA Honors Class of 2021 at Annual Senior Celebration
“Let’s Rally with the Fam – Together Again” was this year’s Senior Celebration theme, as Boys & Girls Clubs of…
Dance Gives Peace and Bright Beginning to Former Club Kid
Twenty-eight years ago, I was an angry kid with a severe learning disability and a strong single mother who…
BGCMA Announces Winner of 2017/2018 Youth of the Year
Douglas County Teen Honored for Leadership in School, Club, and Community ATLANTA – November 13, 2017 – Boys & Girls…
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta Announces 2017/2018 Youth of the Year Local Winners
Teens Recognized for Outstanding Leadership in School, Club, and Community ATLANTA, GA (Oct. 11, 2017) – Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro…
Coweta County Board of Commissioners Proclaims “Sergio Wallace Day”
We’re so honored and proud that Coweta County has declared December 8, 2016 “Sergio Wallace Day” to recognize our 2016-2017…
Former Club Kid, Beloved Leader Learn Lessons from Each Other
Kevie Dixon recently celebrated 20 years as executive director of Paulding County Boys & Girls Club. And though he has…
Lawrenceville Club collects shoes for kids in Africa
They say actions speak louder than words. And because of your support, when it comes to character and leadership, we’re…
Teens Fight to Keep Anti-Bullying Message Alive
In recent years, a series of bullying-related suicides in the United States have garnered significant attention from media, government officials,…
Former Club Kid Makes Triumphant Turnaround
Growing up, teachers labeled Bobby Dunn a problem child, but supportive friends and mentors at his neighborhood Boys & Girls…
2015 was another banner year for BGCMA!
Here are just a few of the accomplishments our Clubs have been able to achieve because you believe in our…
Meet Brian Ball: BGCMA’s 2015/2016 Youth of the Year
“Born to Inspire. Live to Inspire.” These are the words Brian Ball – Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s…
BGCMA Announces 2015/2016 Youth of the Year
Lawrenceville Teen Honored for Leadership in School, Club, and Community November 13, 2015 ATLANTA – November 13, 2015 –…
Success Stories
“It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” – Nelson Mandela
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, we see success day in and day out! From our kids to our staff to the supporters that make our work possible, we’re surrounded by everyday heroes. Find out how our Club family is helping make their communities and the world a better place.
Want a New Career?
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, we have trained, dedicated, and nurturing staff. We are fortunate to work with some of the best and brightest minds in the field. No matter your role, we will put your passion to work for our kids. We’d love to meet you and find out how you can help change lives. Come join us!
Want to Volunteer?
We love our volunteers! They give us critical support and show our kids that helping hands extend beyond our doors. Whether you are looking to help with homework, tackle landscaping projects, or coach a sports team, we have the right opportunity for you. We welcome both individuals and groups. Find out how you can give and get involved.