Every dollar you invest in Oakland youth creates a lifetime impact! 

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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