Meet our 2026 Youth of the Year

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 2, 2026 - This year marks an important milestone for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles: 10 years united . It’s a decade shaped by purpose, partnership, and a shared belief that every young person deserves a safe place to discover who they are, what they love, and all they can become. While this anniversary celebrates a moment in time, our story spans generations. It’s rooted in legacy, strengthened through unity, and driven forward by the youth, families, and communities we serve every day. Then: A Legacy Built by Community Long before we became Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles, our legacy Clubs—Challengers, Bell Gardens, Watts, and Venice—were already doing transformative work in their neighborhoods. For more than 50 years , these Clubs have served as trusted community anchors, offering young people mentorship, stability, and a place where they belong. They fostered strong relationships with families, educators, and local leaders, creating environments where youth felt supported and empowered to grow. Their commitment to youth advocacy and community connection continues to guide our work. Now: Stronger Together Across Metro Los Angeles Since coming together as Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles, our collective impact has grown in meaningful and measurable ways. Each year, more than 3,000 youth walk through our Club doors, gaining confidence, skills, and a sense of possibility. Across all our Clubs, every high school senior graduates on time with a post-graduate plan , prepared for college, career, or the next step in their journey. Equally important is the trust we’ve built with families. Thanks to our community’s confidence in our programs, 100% of surveyed parents say they would recommend our Clubs to others . That trust reflects not only strong outcomes, but the care, consistency, and dedication of our staff and partners. These results represent youth voices being heard, families feeling supported, and programs designed to meet young people where they are, all while helping them imagine what’s possible! United for What’s Next The next chapter of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles is rooted in the same values that have carried us this far: community, equity, and opportunity. Together with our supporters, partners, and advocates, we remain committed to expanding access, strengthening outcomes, and ensuring that every young person across Metro LA has the opportunity to thrive. Because when we are united, possibility grows, and the future is brighter for the youth we serve!

 Key Year-End Tax Considerations for Charitable Donations

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SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 - LOS ANGELES - The first day of school is meant to be filled with excitement—new beginnings, fresh notebooks, and the promise of possibility! But for many families, the rising cost of supplies can turn that excitement into stress, worry, and for some, shame. This year, thanks to the incredible generosity of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles partners and donors, more than 600 families across Metro Los Angeles received brand-new backpacks filled with everything from notebooks and pens to highlighters and more. This site-wide effort gave families a much-needed break as they prepared for the year ahead, helping them save money while ensuring kids had the tools they need to thrive in the classroom. A special thank you goes to KCAL Cares , who kicked off the season with a major donation drive at our Challengers Club, led by Sports Anchor and our upcoming DreamBuilders Gala emcee, Darren M. Haynes .

LOS ANGELES - AUGUST 18, 2025 - The short film “BE YOU” takes viewers inside the Watts-Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club, where music is opening doors for youth in Watts and Willowbrook. . Thanks to Sony Music Group’s Beyond the Instrument and Notes for Notes , the Club now features a professional recording studio—giving members hands-on access to instruments, production tools, and mentorship from industry professionals. For many, it’s the first step toward turning a passion into a future. More than a music program, “BE YOU” is about self-expression, resilience, and discovering the confidence to embrace who you are. At Watts-Willowbrook, youth aren’t just making songs—they’re finding their voice. 👉 Learn more and get involved: bgcmla.org/wattswillowbrook

This article was originally published on LinkedIn . Read the full version below. LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 7, 2025 - At Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles, we’re dedicated to creating safe, empowering spaces where young people can reach their full potential. For the past seven years, the Los Angeles Chargers and the Chargers Impact Fund have helped bring that vision to life through literacy, mental wellness, and culturally relevant programs that meet youth where they are. Less than a year after announcing a $400,000 capital investment in 2018, the Chargers and the Spanos family unveiled a revitalized athletic field and teen center at our Watts/Willowbrook Club. In partnership with Bob's Discount Furniture , they reimagined key Club facilities into vibrant, youth-centered environments built for connection and belonging. Today, these spaces remain active, welcoming hubs, whether kids are racing through obstacle courses on the field or teens are unwinding, studying, and fostering community in a space they can truly call their own.

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28, 2025 - The 2025 DreamBuilders Gala , held on October 17th at the Skirball Cultural Center, was a record-breaking celebration of impact, made possible by the support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles community. A major THANK YOU to SLAY Productions and Skirball Cultural Center for producing and hosting one of our best events yet! Thanks to your generosity and support, we raised over $740,000 — all to fund vital afterschool and summer programs that empower more than 2,500 Club members across Metro Los Angeles to discover their authentic selves and pursue their dreams. Whether you supported our gala fundraiser in person, remotely, or simply followed along, thank you for being a true DreamBuilder for our youth.

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 12, 2025 - As many of you know, recent immigration activity in our city has caused fear and uncertainty for many of our Club members and their families. We feel it too. Our staff live here, our families live here, and our hearts are heavy. But our commitment has never been stronger. We will not be divided or discouraged. We will continue to stand by our youth and provide what they deserve: safety, dignity, and a place where they know they belong. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles will always be a safe haven for every young person, no matter where they come from or what they’re going through. At all of our locations, they will find kindness, stability, and a community that cares. We are grateful to our community for trusting us with their children. We are proud to walk beside them, and we’ll keep doing everything we can to ensure their safety, support, and empowerment. If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage Club parents to contact their home Club directly. Community partners who want to support our youth can reach us at info@bgcmla.org . We’re here and ready to help.