Club Highlights – April 2026
Club Highlights Empowering Futures Through Annual Career Day Our BGCBC Annual Career Day engaged 160 teens in a dynamic experience focused on career exposure, exploration, and meaningful connections with industry professionals. Through interactive stations and real-world conversations, participants gained insight into a variety of career pathways while building confidence in their future goals. The event was designed to inspire our teens to explore both immediate workforce opportunities and long-term college and career options. We extend our gratitude to American Heritage in Plantation, FL, whose support and generous hosting made this event possible. Our teens also completed a post-event survey where they selected a “Pathway of the Day,” helping them reflect on which career best fit their interests in industries such as law, media, aviation, and culinary. Total Teens Attended: 160 Total Professionals/Speakers: 20+ Speaker: Stichiz from 103.5 the Beat Our BGCBC Annual Career Day engaged 160 teens in a dynamic experience focused on career exposure, exploration, and meaningful connections with industry professionals. Through interactive stations and real-world conversations, participants gained insight into a variety of career pathways while building confidence in their future goals. The event was designed to inspire our teens to explore both immediate workforce opportunities and long-term college and career options. We extend our gratitude to American Heritage in Plantation, FL, whose support and generous hosting made this event possible. Our teens also completed a post-event survey where they selected a “Pathway of the Day,” helping them reflect on which career best fit their interests in industries such as law, media, aviation, and culinary. Total Teens Attended: 160 Total Professionals/Speakers: 20+ Speaker: Stichiz from 103.5 the Beat Moments That Matter: We provided free professional attire to our teens, helping them confidently prepare for interviews, internships, and career success. Participating Organizations & Career Stations RealEdge Labs JetBlue The Florida Bar – Young Lawyers Division Fifth Third Bank Dade County Federal Credit Union Marine Industries Association of South Florida Bank of America Career Closet 1SalonLife Culinary Synergy Xanadu Academy Plantation Fire Department Broward Center for the Performing Arts Dr. Hans Dorval Old Navy Pollo Tropical BGCBC People & Culture Department BGCBC Aquatics Department Moments That Matter: We provided free professional attire to our teens, helping them confidently prepare for interviews, internships, and career success. Participating Organizations & Career Stations RealEdge Labs JetBlue The Florida Bar – Young Lawyers Division Fifth Third Bank Dade County Federal Credit Union Marine Industries Association of South Florida Bank of America Career Closet 1SalonLife Culinary Synergy Xanadu Academy Plantation Fire Department Broward Center for the Performing Arts Dr. Hans Dorval Old Navy Pollo Tropical BGCBC People & Culture Department BGCBC Aquatics Department Find Out More About Our Programs Jakeclaude M: Youth of the Year State Finalist We would like to congratulate Jakeclaude M. on being selected as a 2026 Florida Youth of the Year Finalist. We are incredibly proud of him for this outstanding achievement. His hard work, dedication, and growth throughout this journey have truly set him apart. Watching him step into his voice and represent our organization with confidence has been inspiring. This moment is well deserved, and we are excited to see all that he will accomplish next. Learn More About our Youth of the Year Welcoming Christopher M. Barnett into The BGCBC Hall of Fame Christopher M. Barnett has been inducted into Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County’s Alumni Hall of Fame, an honor recognized during the 2026 Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Leaders event presented by ABA Centers in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The honor reflects both his personal journey as a former “Club Kid” and his continued commitment to creating opportunity for young people across Broward County. For Barnett, the recognition is especially meaningful because of the role the Lauderhill Boys & Girls Club played in his early life. It gave him structure, mentorship, encouragement, and a sense of belonging during his formative years. Those experiences helped shape his confidence, work ethic, and belief in the power of community. As Barnett said, “It’s our family’s goal to preserve generational principles of humanity. As a child, the Club was that sense of humanity for me, before I even knew what that meant.” Watch Video Read More FAMU Spring Preview Trip Recently, Delanie, Ben, Ania, and Marlee, all current Youth of the Year participants, proudly represented us while attending the FAMU Spring Preview Trip! During the trip, they toured the campus, connected with students and staff, and gained valuable insight into academic programs, student life and the college admissions process. For our Teens, this visit was more than just a college campus tour. Instead, it was an experience full of culture, pride, belonging and possibility! —————————————“The trip was a very fun experience, especially the bus ride on the way there and back. We learned a lot of things and got to see the nice landscape of FAMU as we were touring some of the buildings. We were presented with various types of information such as the different programs/majors FAMU has to offer, more about the college I’m going into (CSSAH), dorm life, and which buildings to go to for certain things. I am choosing FAMU because of the environment and the culture that it embodies. Going to this university would constantly remind me what an honor it is to be a black student and would give me such a strong sense of belonging I wouldn’t find anywhere else.” –Marlee (attending FAMU this Fall) “FAMU was definitely an unforgettable experience. From touring the dorms to hearing the Marching 100 perform, everything just felt real and exciting. What stood out to me the most is how much they embrace creativity and individuality—you can tell it’s a place where people are free to be themselves. That’s a big reason why I’m choosing FAMU after BC.” –Ben (attending FAMU after Broward College) “The trip was amazing! I learned so much about not only my future major, but about FAMU and all of the opportunities waiting for me. What made me so captivated about FAMU was their spirit. They carry the title of being a student, professor, alumni etc with such pride showing just how much this school means to
Big News: Dolphins Camp, MODS & a Brand-New Teen Center!
Club Highlights Incoming: New Florence A. De George Teen Center We are honored and excited to share the great news that Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County has secured a $400,000 state appropriation to build a brand-new Teen Center at our Florence A. De George Club in Davie FL! We want to thank Senator Dr. Barbara Sharief and Representative Michael Gottlieb for their commitment to helping Broward’s youth and believing in their future. We appreciate you taking time to tour our Club and meet our Club members. This upcoming Teen Center will allow us to serve our youth ages 13-18 with the tools they need. With this investment, we’re able to continue to focus on our 4 pillars of impact: Academic Success Character & Leadership Health & Well-Being Life & Workforce Readiness We also want to say a huge thank you to our partners: TSE Consulting, and every supporter who contributes to help keep our mission going. Help Support Our Youth Development Organization Today! Carter’s X BGCA Cause Campaign Afterschool academic support helps kids stay on track throughout the school year, while fun and engaging summer programming combats summer learning loss in areas like math and reading. Help youth achieve academic success by donating at checkout at your local Carters Inc. Your donation will allow Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County to continue offering programs that inspire a love of learning in and out of the classroom. Learn More About The Initiative Manheim by Cox Automotive X BGCA Cause Campaign We’re proud to partner with Manheim by Cox Automotive as they kick off their annual fundraiser to support Boys & Girls Clubs across the country! Now through August 31, Manheim locations nationwide are rallying together to raise funds that directly support STEM programming at local Clubs—like Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. These programs spark curiosity, build critical thinking skills, and prepare young people for the careers of tomorrow. Thank you, Manheim, for helping to open doors and create brighter futures through the power of STEM! Join The Cause Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County at MODS This incredible new partnership will provide a safe and supportive environment, promote academic, social and emotional development and enhance a love for learning in an immersive museum setting that inspires curiosity, imagination and creativity. Our Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County at MODS “Fueling Great Futures Through STEM” program will engage youth from diverse backgrounds, foster a sense of belonging, provide mentorship and guidance and open doors to youth who might otherwise lack access to enriching experiences in a museum. We want to thank our generous supporters Wayne and Lucretia Weiner and UKG for their in-kind contributions. Their support is helping us fuel futures and shape tomorrow’s leaders. Read on About the Program Components 4-Session Entrepreneur Course Facilitated by Jonathan Fichman Congratulations to the Teen Club members at The Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Foundation Teen Center on completing our 4-session entrepreneurship course, facilitated by Jonathan Fichman. Over several weeks, our Teen Club members learned how to develop business ideas, create business plans, and deliver professional presentations. Then they had the chance to proudly showcased their final pitches to a panel of judges. All Club members received certificates of completion. The top three business presentations were awarded gift cards ranging from $50 to $100, and our first-place winner Avery B also received an iPad to support the launch of their business. We’re so proud of their hard work and can’t wait to see what they do. Visit www.bgcbc.org to learn more about us. BGCA Presents Dove Self Esteem Project We are so ecstatic that our Club members were a part of Boys & Girls Clubs of America presents Dove Self-Esteem Project event! Thank you to all our Lauderhill Club members and staff for helping make this happen. Watch the Recap Video Congrats, Chris Gentile! We’re thrilled to celebrate yet another proud moment for one of our very own, Chris Gentile, Co-CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County on his appointment to the Board of Directors for the Florida Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs. Chris has dedicated a decade to empowering our Broward County youth and strengthening our South Florida community far beyond our blue doors.Now, he’ll bring that same unwavering passion, vision, leadership and commitment to support Boys & Girls Clubs across the entire state of Florida! Congratulations, Chris, on this well-deserved recognition! We are so proud of you and the incredible work you continue to do. We can’t wait to see you shine throughout our great state. Florida “Club Kids” just gained another fierce advocate! Read More About His Significant Milestone Back-to-School Initiatives/ Events We are so thankful to the following individuals/companies who helped our Club members/Teens gear up for the new school year. Bradley Chubb – Back-to-School Bash at Lester H. White JCPenney – Back-to-School shopping experience in Broward Mall Manheim by Cox Automotive- Backpack & School Supplies Donations donated to Rita & Rick Case Club members Ed Morse – Shop-With-A-Cop (New kicks for some of our lucky Club members) Florida Blue- Back-to-School Event in Sunrise Your generous donation of backpacks, supplies, shoes and more, gets our youth ready to learn, dream and achieve. Thank you for helping us shape futures! Miami Dolphins: A Fun-Filled Day at Training Camp Our Marti Huizenga Club members were ecstatic to join Bradley Chubb and the Chubb Foundation for a memorable day in Miami Gardens. From a private tour of the facilities to sitting on the field (VIP style) for an up-close view of training camp, our youth had a blast! Special thanks to Bradley Chubb and Chubb Foundation for the continued support of our youth! Shape Futures With Us Summer M.O.S.T. Program Topgolf Fun with a Purpose! Our Summer M.O.S.T. program, powered by the Children’s Services Council of Broward County helps us take learning beyond the classroom with an exciting field trip to Topgolf! Through this real-world adventure, Club members sharpened focus, built teamwork, and had a blast—all while staying active
