BGC Paterson_Passaic Yearend Evaluation Report 2024-25 (1)

At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Paterson and Passaic, our mission has always been clear: to provide safe, enriching, and transformative spaces where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. As we look back on the 2024–2025 program year of our 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) initiative, we are proud to share the incredible progress, milestones, and success stories that shaped this year.

Serving More Youth, Expanding Opportunities

This year, our afterschool and summer programs at School 4, School 10, and School 13 reached 350 students—far surpassing our target enrollment of 252. Even more inspiring, 206 students attended for 30 days or more, showing strong engagement and trust in our program.

Students represented diverse backgrounds, with the majority identifying as Hispanic/Latino or Black/African American. Through intentional programming rooted in inclusivity, mentorship, and youth development, every young person had access to a place where they belonged.

High-Impact Learning & Enrichment

Across the school year and summer, we delivered over 3,295 hours of academic, enrichment, and recreational programming—a testament to our commitment to whole-child development.

Students participated in:

• STEM activities, tutoring, and academic enrichment

• Sports, dance, and open recreation

• Art, music, multimedia, cosmetology, sewing, and photography

• Field trips to the Liberty Science Center, FunPlex, Mets Game, Dave & Busters, the Math Museum, and more

Our goal is to tap into every student’s passions while helping them discover new ones—and this year, that goal came to life in extraordinary ways.

Summer Program: Creativity, Learning, and Choice

This year’s summer program, held at School 4 and School 13, gave students the power of choice-based learning. From yoga and water activities to juicing workshops, photography, cosmetology, and academic instruction provided by certified teachers, students enjoyed hands-on experiences that kept them excited and engaged all summer long.

Impact You Can See: Academic Growth & Better Attendance

The numbers tell a powerful story:

• 66.7% of students improved or maintained their math grades

• 65.9% improved or maintained their ELA grades

• Chronic absenteeism among program participants averaged only 7.5%, significantly lower than the districtwide rates of 41–45%

Through consistent support, caring staff, and structured academic help, students made measurable gains in their confidence and classroom performance.

What Families & Teachers Had to Say

Feedback from parents and educators reveals the heart of our impact:

• 93% of parents saw improvements in their child’s school attendance

• Parents reported better behavior, stronger confidence, and greater enthusiasm for learning

• Teachers noted improvements in participation, homework completion, motivation, and peer interactions

Parents also rated communication with staff as good or excellent—100% of the time.

Empowering Youth Voice & Leadership

Our Student Council met monthly, giving young leaders a seat at the table as they shaped program activities and offered ideas for improvement. Students voiced appreciation for staff, peers, and the safe environment we create daily.

Strengthening Community Partnerships

This year, we proudly partnered with organizations like:

• Visions Credit Union

• Paterson Fire Department

• Full Service Schools

• Old Navy

• Local photography and sewing instructors

Collaboration helped us expand opportunities for both students and families, from skill-building workshops to community events.

Looking Ahead: Building on Success

As we enter Year 4 of the grant cycle, our focus is clear:

• Increase recruitment and retention

• Strengthen parent engagement and workshop offerings

• Expand Student Council and Advisory Board involvement

• Continue refining programming through data-driven planning

Every step we take is aimed at enhancing the experience of the youth and families we serve.

Thank You to Our Families, Staff, and Partners

Our success this year reflects the dedication of our staff, the trust of our families, and the collaborative spirit of our community partners. Together, we are shaping brighter futures—one child at a time.

Stay connected with us as we continue empowering the next generation of leaders across Paterson and Passaic. The best is yet to come.