Boys & Girls Clubs of Central OC Expands Reach Through Merger

News Summary

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast has merged with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress, expanding its services to over 12,000 children and teens. The merger is expected to save $750,000 annually, allowing for enhanced programming aimed at preparing youth for the workforce. This includes providing advanced technology and skills training to meet the evolving demands of the job market.

Santa Ana, California – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast (BGC of Central OC) has significantly expanded its impact following a recent merger with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress. This strategic consolidation will enable the organization to serve over 12,000 children and teens across seven cities, allowing for enhanced programming and outreach.

Through this merger, BGC of Central OC expects to save approximately $750,000 annually, which can be redirected towards improving services and resources for youth. The organization aims to address the evolving demands of the job market by emphasizing the importance of being “future-ready.” With knowledge doubling every 12 hours, a trend highlighted in research by IBM, the organization recognizes the critical challenges and opportunities this presents for today’s youth.

According to projections, 65% of current K-12 students are likely to work in jobs that do not yet exist. This reality highlights the inadequacy of traditional education alone in preparing young individuals for future employment landscapes. In response, BGC of Central OC is transforming its programming to equip youth with the necessary skills to navigate this changing world.

Program Developments

The Boys & Girls Clubs have witnessed a dramatic increase in their reach, expanding from serving just 200 youth at the Santa Ana Club to over 12,000 youth following the merger. To ensure that these young people are prepared for the workforce, BGC of Central OC is outfitting its clubs with advanced technology and resources, including 3D printers, coding labs, robotics facilities, and drone piloting programs.

In identifying key skills essential for workforce readiness, the organization focuses on:

• Critical Thinking: Through robotics and STEAM programs, youth are encouraged to engage in creative problem-solving.
• Adaptability: Project-based learning environments are designed to teach youth how to embrace change.
• Resilience: Mentorship initiatives and the College Bound program provide over $1 million in scholarships to first-generation college students, alongside $17 million in financial aid.
• Curiosity: Lifelong learning is promoted over traditional career paths to foster a continual desire to learn and grow.

Community Engagement

BGC of Central OC’s programs are further enhanced through strategic partnerships with local business leaders. These collaborations create real-world learning experiences that make the skills youth acquire immediately applicable to their future careers.

The overarching goal of the Boys & Girls Clubs is to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive in an ever-changing environment. The organization believes that its mission goes beyond simply preparing youth for jobs; it is about fostering social and economic success for the entire community.

Business leaders in Orange County are encouraged to engage with BGC of Central OC in supporting its mission to build a future-ready workforce. The organization emphasizes the importance of investing in youth, highlighting that being a “futurist” encompasses preparing for the myriad opportunities that lie ahead.

Conclusion

The merger and innovative programming of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast marks a pivotal step in addressing the skills gap and ensuring that youth can not only meet but exceed the expectations of the job market in years to come. By adjusting its approach to education and workforce readiness, BGC of Central OC is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the young individuals it serves.

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Additional Resources

• Orange County Business Journal: Preparing OC Youth for Jobs that Don’t Yet Exist
• Wikipedia: Jobs of the Future
• The Daily Tar Heel: Rachel Hunt Policy Focus
• Google Search: Future Ready Education
• Forbes: Future-Proofing Education
• Google Scholar: Future of Education Technology
• WESH: Affordable Housing in Orange County
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
• EdTech Magazine: Are Today’s Schools Creating Future-Ready Students?
• Google News: Future of Students