Protect Great Futures for New Jersey Youth
Boys & Girls Clubs across New Jersey provide safe spaces, academic support, mentorship, meals, and opportunities that help young people and families thrive every day.
Proposed state budget cuts threaten critical funding that supports these life-changing programs in communities across our state.
WHY CLUBS MATTER: New Jersey Youth and Families Depend on Boys & Girls Clubs
Every day, Boys & Girls Clubs across New Jersey provide young people with safe, supportive environments where they can learn, grow, and succeed.
Clubs offer academic support, mentoring, healthy meals and snacks, wellness activities, leadership development, and safe after school and summer programming for thousands of youth statewide.
For working families, Clubs are also a critical support system — providing affordable, reliable care that helps parents remain employed and children stay engaged during out-of-school hours.
Programs like Power Hour help youth stay on track academically, with nearly 98% of participating Club members advancing to the next grade level or graduating high school.
WHAT’S AT RISK: Critical Funding Is at Risk
The proposed FY2027 state budget would eliminate key funding streams that support Boys & Girls Club programs across New Jersey, including:
$1.3 million for At-Risk Youth programs
$400,000 in Department of Education grant funding
$150,000 supporting food access partnerships
These investments help Clubs provide:
Academic Support and Tutoring
Mentorship and Youth Development
Health and Wellness Activities
Meals and Food Assistance
Safe After School Environments for Children and Teens
Without sustained funding, Clubs may face significant challenges maintaining services that youth and families rely on every day.
The Impact of Boys & Girls Clubs Across New Jersey
59,112 youth served & growing
103 Club Sites
47% qualify for free and reduced lunch at school
$10.32 Economic Return for Every Dollar Invested
1.4M Meals & Snacks Served at no Charge in NJ Clubs
43 Communities Reached Statewide
98% grade promotion/high school graduation among participating youth
Real Stories. Real Impact.
“My youth center helped me understand that being right doesn’t build your confidence, being able to accept being wrong does.”
“After the loss of his parents, he truly needed guidance, support, and a safe place where he could feel encouraged and valued. This program has provided him not only with learning opportunities, but also with emotional support, stability, and a sense of belonging. It has helped him grow, gain confidence, and begin to heal while continuing his education and personal development. For that, I am deeply grateful. Your kindness and support have made a meaningful difference in his life.”
“Looking back on my memories of the Boys & Girls Club, I realize just how much it shaped me. The Club has been like a second parent, always there to guide, support, and push me to give my best.”
Help Protect Great Futures
Boys & Girls Clubs help young people succeed academically, support working families, and strengthen communities across New Jersey.
Your voice can help ensure these critical programs continue serving youth and families statewide.
Join the Conversation
Show your support for New Jersey youth and families by sharing why Boys & Girls Clubs matter in your community.
Together, we can continue providing safe places, caring mentors, and great futures for New Jersey youth.