Since 1991 when the Persian Gulf War erupted, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has partnered with the U.S. military to provide youth development programs and activities to the children of military personnel, giving families the vital support they need. 

Initially, military dependents were provided with memberships to traditional Clubs within their communities. Following the war, BGCA extended the partnership to provide support to Youth Centers on military installations across the United States and abroad.  

Today, virtually every military Youth Center is a BGCA-affiliated Club. This means that some 458,000 youth in 387 Youth Centers receive the same programs and curriculums Club members in our traditional Clubs receive. 

More than 70 percent of military families live outside military installations. Through funds provided by the Armed Services, military youth have access to a one-year, no-cost membership at a traditional Club. Today, more than 15,300 military youth are served at 1,216 traditional Clubs. 

Take a moment to meet some of our current or former Club members who are affiliated with the U.S. military. Their stories illustrate the value of Boys & Girls Clubs in our military communities and beyond.