Our Story
BGCP is a safe and positive space for youth and teens (ages 6-18), where they can:
- have fun,
- build community with peers and mentors,
- learn essential skills for their lives and future careers,
- and access essential support for their families’ well-being.
Our Clubs use a structured programming environment that helps our youth and teens become leaders and innovators who’ll achieve success in school, in life and in their future careers.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower all young people to discover their full potential, especially those who need us most.
Our Priorities
OUR CORE COMPETENCY
Life & Career Readiness. We deliver this through four program focus areas: STEAM, Sport & Play, Financial Empowerment, and Career Exploration.
STEAM
We engage youth in high-quality, experiential, project-based programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math that build their interest in and connections to related careers.
SPORT & PLAY
We engage youth and teens in active play, team sports, and e-sports in ways that are fun, supportive and encouraging. This helps them build essential skills that will aid them in their lives and future careers.
FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT
We equip youth and teens with a firm foundation in financial education. We help them build a fundamental understanding of money management, entrepreneurship and how to invest. This helps them create pathways to building wealth and gaining long-term economic mobility.
CAREER EXPLORATION
We introduce youth and teens to various career pathways, and we provide them with first-time jobs and opportunities for industry-specific internships.
Transformative Community
Safe & Positive Place for Youth & Teens
We provide safe, positive and culturally responsive spaces where youth and teens feel seen, supported and connected. Through meaningful relationships with caring professionals, they build community and belonging, which opens doors to self-discovery, self-determination, and self-actualization.
Game-Changing Programs for Tomorrow’s Leaders
We prepare youth and teens for bright futures through programs that broaden horizons, build essential skills, and open doors to opportunity. By combining experiential/project based learning, career exploration, workforce development, and wrap around supports we empower young people to be Future Ready – Ready for life and Ready for careers – equipping them to thrive in school, work and beyond.
Quality Staff & Club Spaces
We operate 5 club locations across the Portland Metro Area. Through our club spaces, we deliver high quality programs led by a diverse community of trained youth development professionals who are passionate and committed to supporting young people as tomorrow’s innovators and career leaders.
SINCE 1946
Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro has been serving youth in our community since 1946. While much has changed in the past 80 years, one thing remains the same: our dedication to helping young people reach their full potential.
Our organization begins!
Lents Elementary (SE Portland) becomes our 1st Clubhouse
Peninsular Boys Club (N Portland) becomes Columbia Boys Club
Sellwood-Moreland Boys Club (SE Portland) joins Boys Clubs of Portland
1st Youth Partner Lunch held (aka Youth of the Year Banquet)
Changed name to Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro Area (BGCP)
Sellwood Moreland Club becomes F.G. Meyer Memorial Club
BGCP buys building for Clubhouse in Hillsboro
Blazers Boys & Girls Club (NE Portland) opens
Lents Boys & Girls Club renamed Wattles Club
Hillsboro Boys & Girls Club renamed Inukai Family Club
Regence Boys & Girls Club (N Portland) opens
BGCP runs Police Activities League Center in Rockwood (East County)
Youth Force launched
New Rockwood Boys & Girls Club opens (East County)
Rockwood Boys & Girls Club renamed CareOregon Club
Lemonade Day launched
Wattles Boys & Girls Club renamed Lionel Clegg Club (powered by PCC Structurals)
