OUR HISTORY
Helping Youth Reach Their Full Potential
Over the years, our programs have evolved to meet the changing needs of the community while never wavering from our core belief that every child, regardless of their income level or zip code, should have access to high-quality, out-of-school programming in a safe and positive environment with adults who care about them. While much has changed since we first began, one thing remains constant:
GREAT FUTURES START HERE.
Through the Years
Since establishment in 1963, by founders Bernie Baker, Jr.; A.H. Blank; Ellis I. Levitt; E.T. Meredith, Jr. and Miles Mills, Sr., our programs have evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of the Des Moines Metro community, while never wavering from our core belief that every child, regardless of their income level or zip code, should have access to high-quality, after-school and summer programming in a safe and supportive environment.
With our eighth Club site opening in 2021, we have consistently and proudly grown into one of the largest and most comprehensive youth development organizations in the metro, providing a full schedule of diversified and educationally enriching programming in three key areas: Academic Success, Character & Leadership, and Healthy Lifestyles.
2007
The Ellis I. Levitt Club opens within Carver Community School, the sixth in the nation to reside in a public school.
2013
The Bernie & Berniece Baker Club opens at Amos Hiatt Middle School, the pilot project in BGCCI’s Club Pathways vision.
2015
The Frank J. Ross Club opens with Moore Elementary School.
2017
BGCCI launches the Club Pathways campaign, a comprehensive growth strategy to ensure kids and teens can progress from elementary school to high school graduation with Boys & Girls Clubs by their side.
2019
The Gregory & Suzie Glazer Burt Club opens on Drake University’s campus, only the second in the nation to reside on a private college campus and BGCCI’s first Club site serving K-12 members.
2020
The E.T. Meredith Jr. Club opens at East High School, completing the East Path for Club members previously attending the Levitt and Baker Clubs. The E.T. Meredith Jr. Club is the first teen-only Club site in Central Iowa.
2021
The Studebaker Club opens at Studebaker Elementary, signifying a major milestone in the Club Pathways campaign as the final new Club to open.
2023
BGCCI celebrates the organization's 60th anniversary and reflects on years of continuous achievements and inspiring kids and teens to reach their full potential.