Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles Awarded California Arts Council Youth Arts Action Grant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles Awarded California Arts Council Youth Arts Action Grant
State funds support the enhancement and expansion of the Arts Programming at two Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles Clubhouses: Bell Gardens & Watts Willowbrook.
LOS ANGELES, CA - Today the California Arts Council announced a grant award of $18,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles as part of its Youth Arts Action program.
With funding from the California Arts Council, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles will be able to expand Art Programming at its Bell Gardens & Watts Willowbrook Clubhouses. The Clubhouses will be able to host additional fine and performing arts classes, helping hundreds of youth discover their inner artist, poet, painter, printer, and more. Projects include: murals, photography, arts & crafts, silk-screen programs, field trips, poetry, lyricism, and more.
Presently, Watts/Willowbrook hosts a teen photography class and a hands-on arts and crafts course for all ages. A Michaels (craft stores) MAKE Space grant recipient, Bell Gardens has a newly renovated Arts and Crafts room where the Club hosts a variety of arts and crafts programming.
“We are immensely grateful for the California Arts Council’s generous support of arts education and programming at our Bell Gardens and Watts/Willowbrook Clubhouses,” said Karen Pointer, Chair of the Board of Directors of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles. “Arts education should be a part of every child’s world of possibility. Art is fuel for imagination and a source of passion. It feeds the soul and awakens creativity and individuality. The California Arts Council’s grant will help ensure our youth have the space, materials and freedom to let their creativity blossom into its full potential.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles was featured as part of a larger announcement from the California Arts Council of more than 1,500 grants awarded to nonprofit organizations and units of government throughout the state for their work in support of the agency’s mission to strengthen arts, culture, and creative expression as the tools to cultivate a better California for all. The investment of nearly $30 million marks a more than $5 million increase over the previous fiscal year, and the largest in California Arts Council history.
Organizations were awarded grants across 15 different program areas addressing access, equity, and inclusion; community vibrancy; and arts learning and engagement; and directly benefiting our state's communities, with youth, veterans, returned citizens, and California's historically marginalized communities key among them. Successful projects aligned closely with the agency's vision of a California where all people flourish with universal access to and participation in the arts.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the California Arts Council recognizes that some grantees may need to postpone, modify, or cancel their planned activities supported by CAC funds, due to state and local public health guidelines. The state arts agency is prioritizing flexibility in addressing these changes and supporting appropriate solutions for grantees.
"Creativity sits at the very heart of our identity as Californians and as a people. In this unprecedented moment, the need to understand, endure, and transcend our lived experiences through arts and culture is all the more relevant for each of us,” said Nashormeh Lindo, Chair of the California Arts Council. “The California Arts Council is proud to be able to offer more support through our grant programs than ever before, at a time when our communities’ need is perhaps greater than ever before. These grants will support immediate and lasting community impact by investing in arts businesses and cultural workers across the state.”
The mission of Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Committed to sustainable impact, BGCMLA is the result of a partnership unifying Los Angeles’ Boys and Girls Clubs that have been serving youth in the region’s most vulnerable neighborhoods since 1960 including Challengers, Watts/Willowbrook, Bell Gardens, Jordan Downs and Nickerson Gardens. BGCMLA offers nationally-recognized programs in three core areas to ensure the achievement and empowerment of youth and their families: Academic Success, Good Character and Citizenship and Healthy Lifestyles.
The California Arts Council is a state agency with a mission of strengthening arts, culture, and creative expression as the tools to cultivate a better California for all. It supports local arts infrastructure and programming statewide through grants, initiatives, and services. The California Arts Council envisions a California where all people flourish with universal access to and participation in the arts.
Members of the California Arts Council include: Chair Nashormeh Lindo, Vice Chair Jaime Galli, Larry Baza, Lilia Gonzales Chavez, Jodie Evans, Kathleen Gallegos, Stanlee Gatti, Donn K. Harris, Alex Israel, Consuelo Montoya, and Jonathan Moscone. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov.
The California Arts Council is committed to increasing the accessibility of its online content. For language and accessibility assistance, visit http://arts.ca.gov/aboutus/language.php.
Leylah Fernandez hosted a youth tennis clinic at the Challengers Club, offering training and inspiration to local kids.
11th Annual In-store fundraiser to provide support to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 7, 2025 - At the Watts/Willowbrook Club, we celebrated five exceptional Club members! Hear their inspiring stories of overcoming challenges and finding their place at with us at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA). This year we are proud to announce Kaydence as our 2025 BGCMLA Youth of the Year ! All participants receive a stipend for their hard work and commitment to this premier teen recognition program. A special congratulations to this year's remarkable speakers:
The Lakers Youth Foundation renovated the gymnasium at the Venice Boys and Girls Club, celebrating with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a youth basketball clinic led by local coaches. This renovation, part of the foundation's initiative to provide safe and quality spaces for youth, offers a revitalized space for kids to play, learn, and develop skills. The project underscores the foundation's commitment to empowering young people through sports and creating positive community impact.
Our Clubs are open! We're accepting all youth ages 6 -18, regardless of current membership.
September 16, 2024 (Los Angeles, CA) - On Saturday, October 26th, we hosted the DreamBuilders Gala at the stunning Audrey Irmas Pavilion. This special event was dedicated to honoring the incredible achievements of our youth and the generous supporters who made it all possible. What Happened: Inspiring Performances: We enjoyed captivating performances by our talented youth, showcasing their skills and passions. Star-Studded Emcee: Darren M. Haynes, a renowned sports anchor/reporter from KCBS/KCAL, served as our dynamic emcee for the evening. Generous Giving: We joined together to raise funds to support our programs and provide life-changing opportunities for the youth of Metro Los Angeles. Exclusive Experiences: We enjoyed a cocktail reception, silent auction, and a vibrant afterparty. Honoring Our Partners: We're thrilled to recognize the Ralph M Parsons Foundation and Sony Music Publishing for their invaluable contributions to our mission.
September 24, 2024 (Los Angeles, CA) - In a heartwarming display of community engagement, USC Football players recently hosted a special tour of their state-of-the-art facilities for young members of the Challengers Club from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles. The event, organized through the NIL initiative House of Victory , provided a unique opportunity for these aspiring athletes to experience the world of collegiate sports firsthand. "Seeing the practice field and fully equipped fitness gym was eye-opening," said Karen Quiroz, Director of Athletics and Health at the Challengers Clubhouse. "These resources are not available at every school, and it's inspiring for our kids to see what's possible." The Challengers Clubhouse, a part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro LA, has been serving underprivileged youth in the community since 1968. By providing access to educational programs, sports activities, and mentorship opportunities, the club aims to empower young people to reach their full potential. "For kids who haven't seen what college can be like, it's good for them to get this experience at one of the best universities," said Eric Gentry, a senior linebacker and House of Victory student-athlete. "It's about more than just football; it's about inspiring the next generation." The USC football players were more than happy to share their experiences and answer questions from the young visitors. From discussing their training routines to offering advice on balancing academics and athletics, the players served as positive role models. "This tour was a dream come true for our kids," said Quiroz. "Interacting with the USC football players was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will inspire them to strive for greatness." As Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro LA continues to provide essential services to the youth of Los Angeles, partnerships with organizations like House of Victory are crucial in helping young people reach their full potential. By providing opportunities for mentorship, inspiration, and exposure to new experiences, these collaborations are laying the foundation for a brighter future. For more information about events like this one, follow BGCMLA on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn and X . If you’d like to make a charitable contribution to support youth programs and initiatives like this, you can make a tax-deductible contribution here .
Los Angeles, CA - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Women's Sports Foundation (WSF) as part of their Sports 4 Life program. This prestigious grant will support our efforts to provide sports and physical activity opportunities for young girls in our community. The Sports 4 Life program aims to empower Black, African-American, Hispanic, and Native American girls through sports. By participating in these programs, girls can develop essential skills such as perseverance, leadership, and teamwork, which will benefit them both on and off the field. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where all children can thrive. Through our sports programs, we strive to inspire girls to reach their full potential and become confident, successful individuals. For more information, follow BGCMLA on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn and X . If you’d like to make a charitable contribution to support youth programs and initiatives like this, you can make a tax-deductible contribution here .
JULY 1, 2024 (LOS ANGELES) - On June 25th, the SiriusXM LA studio transformed into a hub of music education and inspiration for local teens from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA). The event, aptly named "Rhythm In Action," was sponsored by Cricket Wireless and offered a unique opportunity for young music enthusiasts to dive into the world of audio entertainment. The day kicked off with a behind-the-scenes tour of the SiriusXM studios, giving students a peek into the magic of radio broadcasting. This was followed by a series of engaging activities designed to spark their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Interactive workshops and roundtable panels brought together industry leaders from across SiriusXM's departments, who discussed the ever-evolving music industry and its exciting future. But the learning didn't stop there! Students even got the chance to flex their marketing muscles. After an exclusive performance by talented artist Kalan.FrFr, the students were presented with a challenge: develop a marketing strategy for the artist's next single! This unique opportunity allowed them to put their newfound knowledge to the test and receive valuable feedback and advice directly from a panel of SiriusXM experts. This wasn't just a fun day trip for the BGCMLA students. It marked the second year in a row that SiriusXM, in partnership with Cricket Wireless, presented the organization with a generous donation. These funds will directly support BGCMLA's mission of empowering the next generation and fostering a vibrant community. "Rhythm In Action" was a resounding success, offering BGCMLA students an unforgettable experience that blended education with entertainment. By fostering a love for music and igniting their entrepreneurial spirit, SiriusXM and Cricket Wireless are helping to pave the way for the future stars of the music industry! To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles, visit www.bgcmla.org .
June 24, 2024 (Los Angeles, CA) - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) recently hosted a groundbreaking program called Girls Got Game, in partnership with the Black Collegiate Gaming Association (BCGA) and the Los Angeles Sparks. This initiative aimed to bridge the gap between the esports and gaming industry and Black students and young women of color. The Girls Got Game program offered a unique opportunity for middle and high school girls to explore their passion for gaming and learn valuable skills for the future. Through a combination of curriculum, competitions, and internships, the program provided participants with the tools they needed to succeed in the esports and gaming industry. As Natalie White, VP Community Relations for the LA Sparks, states: "We are thrilled to join the Black Collegiate Gaming Association for the Girls Got Game initiative. This community partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to empower and inspire young girls." This program is all about fostering confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging within the gaming world. It's a safe space for young women to learn, grow, and become future leaders in esports. Alejandra Liera, Site Director at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles - Challengers Club, echoes this sentiment: "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible partners... Their commitment to empowering young women in the gaming community is inspiring and instrumental in fostering a more inclusive and diverse future in esports." Head over to Girls Got Game to learn more and secure a spot in this exciting new program.
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Email:
info@bgcmla.org
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Los Angeles, CA 90037
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