by Tori Bishop, Director of Resource Development and Marketing
According to afterschoolalliance.org, 88,960 kids in Mississippi leave school with nowhere to go. They risk being unsupervised, unguided and unsafe. Boys & Girls Clubs fill the gap between school and home. We provide welcoming, positive environments where kids and teens have fun, participate in life-changing programs, and build supportive relationships with peers and caring adults.
For more than 50 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast has helped thousands of kids and teens develop essential skills, make lasting connections and have fun. Club members experience a safe place to learn, play and grow, build relationships with caring mentors, and participate in enriching programs, experiences and activities.
Clubs have a significant impact on the young people they serve by focusing on three priority outcome areas: academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.
Each year one youth is selected to represent each club throughout the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast to compete in the Youth of the Year program.
This program has honored and celebrated the club’s most inspiring teens and their incredible journeys. Stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle have made Youth of the Year America’s premier leadership and recognition program for teens. These amazing young people represent the voice and spirit of hope for America, and inspire all kids to lead and succeed.
Each year, one exceptional club member is selected to be the National Youth of the Year, serving as an ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth, as well as a voice for all of our nation’s young people. Over the decades, these individuals have exemplified the Boys & Girls Club mission and are proof to the impact clubs make in transforming and saving kids’ lives. National Youth of the Year winners have achieved success in a variety of industries, including entertainment, politics, business and sports.
Khalil McGowan was recently selected as the 2017 Youth of the Year and will be competing at State competition later this year. Khalil, a recent graduate of Harrison Central High School, has been a club member since 2010. He served as president and vice president for the Keystone Club, which is a leadership development program offered by Boys & Girls Club. Khalil also was a member of The League of Distinguished Gentlemen Leadership/Mentor Organization. He has overcome great adversity in his life, including being homeless and experiencing deep grief from losing two very close family members who raised him. Khalil credits the Boys & Girls Club with helping him stay the course despite facing obstacles. Khalil was recently employed as a youth advisor for the summer camp at the Forest Heights Club and will attend Jackson State University in the fall with plans to major in education.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast need your help! With your generous support, we will continue to help more kids and teens achieve great futures. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs, make a donation or volunteer at one of our clubs, visit bgcgulfcoast.org or call (228) 896-3770.