MARCH 23, 2022 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County (BGCOKC) has received an incredibly generous $2.5 million gift from philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott. This investment is part of a larger collective gift of $281 million to 62 local Boys & Girls Clubs and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
As one of Oklahoma County’s leading youth development organizations, BGCOKC plays a significant role in the lives of more than 16,000 youth each year through its 15 Club locations. BGCOKC is built with a foundation of inclusion and a sense of belonging, offering ways for youth to achieve their full potential in a safe environment while having fun. The organization creates life-enhancing opportunities for kids and teens to thrive, providing academic support, caring mentors and essential skill-building programs after school and during the summer. BGCOKC offers homework help, STEM learning, sports and recreation, the arts, academic enrichment, workforce development, college and career planning, leadership opportunities, and more.
“We are extremely honored to be one of the 62 Clubs across the country selected by MacKenzie Scott and her team to receive this wonderful gift,” said Teena Belcik, BGCOKC President and CEO. “Her significant investment in our mission will help us continue to serve even more youth, as we support thousands of kids and teens in Oklahoma County on their journeys to great futures. On behalf of everyone at Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County, we want to express our deep appreciation to MacKenzie Scott for this transformational level of support.”
Today, young people face an unprecedented number of obstacles to their success and well-being. Studies show that a lack of access to technology, positive mentors and guidance, food insecurity and other critical factors can cause long-term setbacks and trauma for millions of young people. Unfortunately, the pandemic has only exacerbated these challenges and widened the opportunity gap.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County is committed to providing resources to combat the effects of these challenges. From its college-prep and workforce readiness program to its evidenced-based resiliency and coping skills program for Club members, the organization takes a holistic approach focusing on the whole child to ensure every child becomes the adult they were meant to be.
