Character & citizenship
It matters when kids help their neighborhoods, families and fellow citizens.
We encourage kids to serve their Clubs and their communities, to promote respect for themselves and others and to build leadership skills. Youth following this path are less likely to fail, get suspended, drop out of school or get involved with the police. And they are more likely to continue their education beyond high school. Our character and citizenship programs include:
Keystone Club, a community service and leadership development program that equips adolescents with the skills to become agents of positive change in their own lives, Clubs and communities. Members organize community service projects, address social justice issues and engage other teens.
Torch Club, a small-group club offering character development plus service and leadership opportunities to young people ages 11-13.
Youth of the Year, the highest honor a Club member can attain. Members ages 14-18 are eligible to enter. Judges evaluate them on their Club and community service, academic achievements, essays and interviews. The winner is BGCNEO’s Youth of the Year and moves on to state competition. Winners receive scholarship funds for higher education.
Our programs foster character development, healthy interpersonal relationships and develop young leaders who contribute to their communities.