An Unforgettable Celebration of Oakland's Future
Michelle MiJung Kim is the award-winning author of The Wake Up, a global speaker, and host of I Feel That Way Too. A Korean immigrant based in Oakland and former tech leader turned social entrepreneur, her work explores courage, identity, and transformation, shaped by experiences from activism to burnout and healing.
Dr. Akilah Cadet is the Founder & CEO of Change Cadet, a consulting firm focused on embedding belonging into company culture, strategy, and storytelling. A Forbes Next 1000 entrepreneur and SF Business Times Most Influential Woman, she partners with major brands and centers dismantling white supremacy through storytelling. She’s also a speaker, creative, co-owner of the Oakland Roots & Soul soccer teams, host of Humane Rights, and author of White Supremacy is All Around. Based in Oakland, she celebrates her disability and love for Beyoncé.
An Evening to Remember
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Youth-led interactive showcases, including innovative Art & STEM exhibits
- Carnival-inspired activities that spark fun, curiosity, and connection
- Meaningful engagement with young leaders, giving you a firsthand look at the impact of BGCO programs
Attire: Dress to Impress -- Cocktail!
Be Part of Something Bigger!
Salute to Youth is a cornerstone event supporting BGCO’s mission to empower young people across Oakland. Your investment supports programs that:
- Provide critical academic support and college readiness
- Promote healthy lifestyles and smiles through our free Dental Clinic
- Cultivate leadership and confidence in the next generation of Oakland leaders
All contributions and participation are an investment in the dreams, talents, and futures of Oakland’s children and youth.
Become a sponsor or purchase your tickets today to be part of an impactful evening that celebrates possibility, community, and the young leaders shaping Oakland’s tomorrow.
An Unforgettable Celebration of Oakland's Future
Michelle MiJung Kim is the award-winning author of The Wake Up, a global speaker, and host of I Feel That Way Too. A Korean immigrant based in Oakland and former tech leader turned social entrepreneur, her work explores courage, identity, and transformation, shaped by experiences from activism to burnout and healing.
Dr. Akilah Cadet is the Founder & CEO of Change Cadet, a consulting firm focused on embedding belonging into company culture, strategy, and storytelling. A Forbes Next 1000 entrepreneur and SF Business Times Most Influential Woman, she partners with major brands and centers dismantling white supremacy through storytelling. She’s also a speaker, creative, co-owner of the Oakland Roots & Soul soccer teams, host of Humane Rights, and author of White Supremacy is All Around. Based in Oakland, she celebrates her disability and love for Beyoncé.
An Evening to Remember
-
Youth-led interactive showcases, including innovative Art & STEM exhibits
- Carnival-inspired activities that spark fun, curiosity, and connection
- Meaningful engagement with young leaders, giving you a firsthand look at the impact of BGCO programs
Attire: Dress to Impress -- Cocktail!
Be Part of Something Bigger!
Salute to Youth is a cornerstone event supporting BGCO’s mission to empower young people across Oakland. Your investment supports programs that:
- Provide critical academic support and college readiness
- Promote healthy lifestyles and smiles through our free Dental Clinic
- Cultivate leadership and confidence in the next generation of Oakland leaders
All contributions and participation are an investment in the dreams, talents, and futures of Oakland’s children and youth.
Become a sponsor or purchase your tickets today to be part of an impactful evening that celebrates possibility, community, and the young leaders shaping Oakland’s tomorrow.
Our Mission
The purpose of Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland (BGCO) is to inspire and empower Oakland's youth, especially those who need us most, by providing safe spaces, caring mentors, and life-enriching programs that nurture academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character development.
Our Programs
Power Hour – Supports members ages 6–18 in achieving academic success through homework help, tutoring, and high-yield learning activities (reading practice, math games, and study skills) while building independent learners.
Brainfactory (Summer Brain Gain) – Prevents summer learning loss through engaging literacy and STEM activities like daily reading challenges, science experiments, journaling, and small-group projects.
Torch Club – Empowers middle school members to lead service and leadership projects, such as community clean-ups, kindness campaigns, and peer-led discussions on issues affecting youth.
Dental Clinic – Free preventative dental care for youth members and their families to instill lifelong oral health habits, reduce barriers to care, and provide oral health education for youth to maintain healthy smiles.
SMART Moves – Builds healthy decision-making and life skills through discussions and activities on peer pressure, goal-setting, emotional wellness, and avoiding drugs and alcohol.
Writer’s Connection – Pairs caring volunteer writing coaches with middle and high school students for weekly workshops focused on storytelling, essays, poetry, and confidence in written expression.
Diplomas to Degrees – Guides teens on a step-by-step path to college and career success through college exploration, campus visits, financial aid support, and application preparation.
Youth of the Year – A premier leadership and recognition program where outstanding members develop public speaking and service portfolios and represent BGCO as youth ambassadors.
Keystone Club – A leadership and service club for ages 14–18 where teens plan service projects, lead events, explore careers, and build teamwork and civic responsibility.
Workforce Readiness – Prepares ages 13–18 for employment through resume building, mock interviews, career exploration, internships, and workplace readiness training.
Dance – Empowers youth to build confidence, creativity, and discipline through movement while exploring diverse dance styles, with opportunities to showcase their talents at interclub competitions and community events.
Music Studio – Newly transformed space for youth to explore songwriting, recording, and music production in an inspiring environment designed to spark creativity and amplify their voices.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Tax ID (EIN): 94-1279794