Our Character and Leadership programs are aimed at guiding youth to become caring person and acquire civic skills to participate in society as a responsible citizen. Program participants develop leadership and decision making skills, learn to contribute to the younger youth in our Clubs and our community.
Explore Our Programs
Youth of the Year
Youth of the Year is our premier recognition program aimed at fostering a new generation of leaders who can thrive in a diverse and global world economy. It involves a year-long program where Teen Club Members can showcase their character and leadership to esteemed judges. Our Annual Youth of the Year candidates and the winner receives prizes, scholarships, and opportunities to intern at well-known companies.
Torch Club
Torch Clubs are chartered small-group civic leadership and service social clubs, like Keystone, for boys and girls ages 11-13. Torch Club is a powerful vehicle for assisting Club staff with developing leadership skills and character in middle school aged youth in a critical stage in their life.
Keystone
Keystone is the Boys & Girls Club Movement’s ultimate teen program for youth ages 14-18. This unique program provides leadership development opportunities for youth to participate in activities in three focus areas: academic success, career preparation, and community service. With the guidance of an adult advisor, Keystone Clubs aim to positively impact teens, their Club, and local communities.
Youth of the Year
Each year, one exceptional Club member is selected to be the Youth of the Year, serving as an ambassador for the Boys & Girls Clubs of North San Mateo County’s youth, as well as a voice for all of our young people. These individuals have exemplified our mission and demonstrate the impact the Clubs make in transforming lives and unleashing potential. Former recipients have achieved success in a variety of industries, including entertainment, politics, business and sports.
Boys & Girls Clubs of North San Mateo County is dedicated to mentoring and lifting the voices of high school teens through our Youth of the Year program. Celebrate and support our Club teen leaders on their journeys to a GREAT FUTURE!
MEET RACHEL, OUR 2020 YOY WINNER.
CLUB MEMBER OF 4 YEARS.
HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR.
FUTURE TECH EDUCATOR.
INSPIRED BY THE CLUB.
Rachel joined the Boys & Girls Clubs Of North San Mateo County as a Sophomore. As a graduating Senior, she has been a part of the Club family non-stop. The most meaningful experience she’s had at the Club is when Club staff thanked her each day after volunteering her first year at the Club. This display of gratitude has motivated her to continue to strive to make a positive impact with young members and has led her to thrive as a CIT for three years. Her upbeat attitude is infectious, and she can’t help but smile each time a young Club member joyously greets her and thanks her for helping them with homework or making them smile while playing and conversing with them.
REAL WORLD. REAL SKILLS. REAL SUPPORT.
College & Career Pathways (CCP) program provides middle and high school teens with the opportunity to explore college and career options that align with their goals, interests, and motivations.
Teen Club members gain opportunities to obtain credentials and skills to enhance their academic and career opportunities following high school. They are exposed to various jobs themes and industries through career exploration and corresponding academic studies and encourage them to pursue careers that require advanced skills, such as STEM, medical, and public policy.
College & Career Pathways
Career Exploration
Club members ages 13-18 learn about potential careers from real industry experts to help prepare them for the post-high school educational journey needed for success in their chosen career.
College Prep & Financial Skills Learning
The Club provides support to teenagers preparing for college applications, testing, and campus visits. They also offer financial literacy and planning courses, partnering with Wells Fargo's Hands on Banking program, to help youth and their families prepare for the financial demands of college.
Workforce Internships
Teen members ages 16-18 have the opportunity intern at the Club in order to gain job experience through our CIT/ Junior Staff program, and receive STEM based-job skills training through TEACH YOUTH TECH.
You must be logged in to post a comment.