A STUDY OF THE RETURN IN INVESTING IN OUR YOUTH

We already know that the Clubs give kids a safe place to go after school to do homework, socialize and have fun instead of getting into trouble out on the streets, but now we know just how much good your investment in the Clubs is doing!

Over the summer, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America - Los Angeles County Alliance commissioned a study by Damooei Global Research to measure the social and economic impact the Clubs have on their community.

What they identified was that for every $1 invested by the Clubs, $16.42 worth of positive economic impacts for the community is generated! This is a testament to the vital role the Clubs play in shaping the lives and futures of Club members and their parents.

This comprehensive study measured the Clubs' economic impact in 5 categories:

1. High school graduation rates - Club members are encouraged to stay in school and graduate at a higher rate than the national average. So for every $1 the Club spends on education programs, $3.83 worth of increased earning potential is generated.
2. Teen pregnancy prevention - Club members are encouraged to make wise decisions and to wait until they are older to have children. This means that every $1 the Clubs spend teaching responsibility results in a savings of $.39 for tax payers.
3. Crime prevention - The Clubs provide a safe place for kids filled with positive role models. This helps prevent crime in our community and means that for every $1 the Clubs spend to provide a safe environment and keep kids off the streets and out of gangs, tax payers save $1.72.
4. Assisting parents - The Clubs provide after school and summer care, which means that struggling parents can stay at work and not sacrifice income during these trying economic times. The result: For every $1 the Clubs spend on after school care, parents are able to earn an additional $8.89 to put food on the table.
5. Volunteers - Unlike day care and other after school programs, the Clubs have limited paid staff and rely heavily on volunteers to care for kids each day. This means that for every $1 the Clubs spends on labor and operations costs, tax payers save $1.59.

On November 2, this groundbreaking study was released to the public at a celebration held on the campus of USC. David Walker, Director of the Boys & Girls Club LA County Alliance said, "This study truly shows how far the Clubs' impact reaches. Not only do the Clubs keep kids off the streets and in school, but they benefit society as well. By making your dollars go farther, the Clubs help make the world a better place. Today's Boys & Girls Clubs members will have an impact on generations to come!"

To read a summary of the economic impact study click here.

To review the full economic impact study click here.