As communities around the world celebrate International Youth Day on August 12, Boys & Girls Clubs of America will rally supporters nationwide for its second annual Giving Day, a one-day campaign to invest in the next generation by helping ensure every young person has access to the opportunities they need to build a great future.

This year’s Giving Day aligns with the global observance of International Youth Day and its 2026 theme, Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future, recognizing the critical role young people play in shaping stronger communities and a brighter tomorrow. Yet too many youth continue to face barriers that include academic pressure, food insecurity, mental health challenges and limited access to opportunities, which can stand in the way of reaching their full potential.

“Every young person deserves someone who believes in them and a place where they can build confidence, discover their strengths and imagine what’s possible,” said Jim Clark, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “At Boys & Girls Clubs, we see every day how supportive relationships and opportunities help young people grow and thrive. In fact, 93% of Club youth say the adults at their Club believe they will be successful. On Giving Day, we’re inviting everyone to help ensure more kids and teens have access to those same opportunities and encouragement.”

Every day, Boys & Girls Clubs provide the relationships and resources that help young people succeed; from academic support and career exploration to leadership development, healthy meals and safe after-school environments. The impact is clear:

  • 94% of Club high school seniors feel prepared to get a job.

  • 4 in 5 Club kids report earning mostly A’s and B’s in school

  • 3 in 4 Club kids believe they can make a positive difference in their community

Every contribution on Giving Day helps open doors for young people. A $20 donation helps provide one child with a nutritious snack every day after school, while $60 gives six young people an hour with a caring mentor. A gift of $80 provides eight hours of leadership development programming, and $100 helps provide a child with two weeks of safe, dependable after-school care.

Giving Day supports Boys & Girls Clubs’ mission to ensure all young people have access to a place where they belong, trusted mentors who believe in them and opportunities to build the skills and confidence needed for lifelong success.

Supporters can join the movement and make a gift on August 12 by visiting https://www.bgca.org/.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,500 Clubs serve more than 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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