Boys and Girls Club of the Northland

Our academic success programs work to ensure all Club members graduate from high school on time, ready to build a productive future. These programs help to prepare Club members for college, trade school, the military or employment by providing one on one tutoring and mentoring on site and in the schools. As part of this initiative, we partner with area agencies such as: Duluth public school district, university of mn Duluth, the college of st. scholastica and community members interested in our academic programming who volunteer. Through the academic success programs, we work to increase youth performance in key areas of education: language, reading, math and science, while promoting positive attitudes towards academic goals.94% of our youth and teens expect to graduate high school and 96% of our kids are on grade level for their age.

Mental health access program - in april of 2019, the Boys & Girls clubs of the Northland began providing mental health services and support in the clubs. Our initial programming goals were to integrate the mental health staff into the clubs and create dialogues that helped to remove the stigma attached to mental health related issues. Through the positive relationships with focused mental health counselors on site and the support of trusted staff we have worked to create a safe environment for youth to get help and remove barriers to accessing these much needed services. As the pandemic changed our world and the way we interact, the need for mental health supportive services for our youth has only continued to grow.

Our healthy lifestyles programs help our Club member kids to adopt a balanced and positive approach to diet, exercise and lifestyle choices. Through the example of meals and educational materials, and the guidance of well-trained staff, our Club member kids learn the importance of a healthy body and mind. By engaging in positive behaviors in the healthy lifestyles program the kids learn to nurture their well-being and set personal goals which will help them grow into self-sufficient adults. As part of this initiative, we partner with the following key area agencies: second harvest food bank, essentia health, Duluth heritage sports center, Duluth ymca and dyac and other community health organizations.54% of our kids are physically active for a total of at least 60 minutes on 5 or more days and 61% of our kids avoid risky behavior (smoking, alcohol, marijuana & fighting).

Our clubs good character & citizenship programs help our youth become responsible, caring citizens and acquire skills to grow into engaged and active members of their community. Program participants have access to leadership develop skills training and gain opportunities for planning, decision-making, contributing to their Club and community. As part of this initiative, we partner with key area agencies as they pertain to our cause, such as: Duluth police department, rotary international, mentor Duluth collaborative and community leaders.

Outdoor adventures program - during the last five years one of our most positive and successful programs for the kids has been outdoor adventures. This program was developed with the goal of showing Club members that the outdoors provide a safe space for them to grow their confidence and express themselves. Prior to the pandemic, outdoor adventures had Club members spending over 10 hours a week in various outdoor locations and local parks. It reinforced the need for our youth to unplug from technology and explore their creative minds.

Other - support to foundation