Education & Career Development
Developing Globally Competitive Graduates & Building Job Skills and Career Paths
These programs are designed to ensure that all Club members graduate from high school on time, ready for a post-secondary education and a 21st-century career.
Reading Intervention Program & the Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton Literacy Center of Excellence
Age 6-10
Children who aren’t reading on grade level by third grade are more likely to never graduate high school. The Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton wants to ensure that children in our community are prepared for graduation and beyond with a strong foundation in reading and literacy.
In January 2014, the Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton initiated a comprehensive reading program for our 6 to 10-year-old members, led by a certified literacy instructor. It has continued to grow and mature since then. Last year alone we effectively assisted 97 (up from 74 in 2015) struggling readers.
Paws for Reading
Age 6-10
Just when you thought the Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton couldn’t possibly get any cuter—we added dogs! Paws for Reading allows our 6 to 10-year-old members to practice reading aloud with their four-legged friends without fear of judgement from their peers. All dogs are have completed the Canine Good Citizenship® program through the American Kennel Club.
According to a study, “Minor Immediate Effects of a Dog on Children’s Reading Performance and Physiology” that tested the effects of dogs on kids who are learning to read, it was found that dogs have a positive impact, particularly in calming anxiety.
Power Hour: Making Minutes Count
All Ages
Power Hour: Making Minutes Count provides Club professionals with the strategies, activities, resources and information to create an engaging homework help and tutoring program that encourages Club members of every age to become self-directed learners. For one hour Monday-Thursday, the Club shuts down for a full hour to allow members to complete their homework and get any help needed from staff and volunteers.
DIY STEM
Age 9-11
DIY STEM is a hands-on club where members learn about science in the world around them by doing fun experiments and activities. DIY STEM includes five modules: Energy and Electricity, Engineering Design, Food Chemistry, Intro to Aeronautics, and The Science of Sports: Football.
FIRST LEGO League Jr. Club
Ages 6-9
Working in teams, our members will explore the growing needs and challenges of the people in our community. Teams will use their creativity and problem-solving skills to design and create a building that solves a problem and makes life easier, happier, or more connected for the people that use it.
STEAM Makers Club
Ages 6-11
STEAM Makers Club is for members who love to experiment, innovate, and create! With different projects every week, members have fun designing and building projects that use science, technology, engineering, art, and math!
Dwaine Willett CareerLaunch
Age 14-18
Dwaine Willett CareerLaunch is a job-readiness and career exploration program. Club members ages 14-18 are encouraged to assess their skills and interests, learn about different careers, make sound educational decisions and prepare to join our nation's workforce.
While Dwaine Willett CareerLaunch helps teens set career goals and improve their employability skills, the program also enables employers to try out talent for future full-time work, free staff from routine tasks, and enhance positive public relations in the community. Dwaine Willett CareerLaunch members host a job fair each year for all teenagers seeking summer employment.
Junior Staff
Age 14-18
Our Junior Staff program assists Club members ages 14-18 in exploring a career in youth or human services, particularly Boys & Girls Club work. Young people prepare for future roles as human services professionals by participating in career development activities, discovering the importance of community service, building customer service skills and completing a Club apprenticeship. The program develops Club members' interpersonal skill, work ethic and sense of community responsibility.
Money Matters
Age 14-18
Money Matters promotes financial responsibility and independence among Club members ages 13 to 18. Participants learn how to manage a checking account, create a budget, save and invest, start small businesses and pay for college.
