Age range

Website: www.bgcb.org

Mission/Goals: The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) is to help boys and girls, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, develop the qualities needed to become responsible citizens and leaders.

Source(s): www.guidestar.org; www.bgcb.org

Notes: Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston have five main Clubhouses located in Charlestown, Chelsea, Dorchester, Roxbury and South Boston and also run joint education and intervention programs with the Boston Police Department and Boston Public Schools. In each of BGCB's five clubhouses, children have the opportunity to participate in activities spanning a common set of six core program areas: Education; the Arts; Life Skills; Leadership & Character Development; Sports, Fitness & Recreation; and Technology.

Other evaluation information: This educational enhancement program was implemented and evaluated in New York City, Cleveland, Oakland, Tampa, and Edinburgh, Texas.

Type of Evaluation: Quasi-Experimental.

Note: The research sample did not include Boston programs.

Objective: This evaluation sought to examine the effects of a non-school educational enhancement program (part of Boys & Girls Club) on school performance among economically disadvantaged early adolescents who live in public housing.

Impact/Outcomes: After 30 months, greater engagement and enjoyment in reading, verbal skills, writing, and tutoring, plus greater enjoyment in geography, were found for program youth compared to the comparison group, and for the comparison group compared to the non-BGC control group.