Kids are Back in School. Are You Ready?

Monday, September 28, 2009

By: Tim Wills

Director of Operations, Harford County Boys & Girls Clubs

America’s future is at risk. Nationally, 30 percent of our youth drop out of high school. Such a situation threatens our nation’s future. Who will be tomorrow’s leaders?

It’s a crisis that affects everyone.

It’s daunting to think about solving such a widespread crisis, but those of us in youth organizations, such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County, where I work, have seen that it’s possible to turn things around.

For one thing, we don’t work alone. By creating partnerships with schools, community leaders and parents, and by hiring caring staff, Boys & Girls Clubs create a network and culture in which everyone embraces the importance of high school graduation.

Through our partnerships, we can also offer comprehensive programs that provide everything from homework help to career counseling. Once youth understand there’s a supportive network of caring people ready to help them succeed, they put forth the extra effort to graduate from high school.

And it’s working. A national Harris survey finds that 90 percent of Boys & Girls Club alumni graduate from high school. In fact, 62 percent of former Club members said they became more committed to their education at their Club.

Enabling all youth to become proficient in basic educational disciplines, apply learning to everyday situations to achieve success in a career might seem like a tall order. But it is possible if, as adults, we lead by example, encourage our children to embrace learning and support local youth organizations. If every one of us commits to helping our young people achieve academic success, we can ensure a stronger nation – and leaders worthy of its aspirations – for generations to come.

For more information about what Boys & Girls Clubs do, or to volunteer, go to www.bgcharfordco.org.