In The News

Generous Donation from Longtime Partner

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is thrilled to announce that the Taylor Family and Enterprise Holdings will be making a gift of $5 Million dollars to support the recent mergers, combinations and partnerships! It will come in a combined donation from the Enterprise Holdings Foundation and the Crawford Taylor Family Foundation.

Mike Andrew, Enterprise Holdings, Inc. Senior Vice President & General Counsel and BGCSTL board member said, “We appreciate the efforts that Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis has undertaken to work with the Mathews-Dickey team to create a unified organization that will serve our region’s youth. As such, we are pleased to continue supporting the work the organization does every day to support the GREAT FUTURES of St. Louis kids and teens.”

Dr. Flint Fowler, President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis says of the gift, “The Taylor Family and Enterprise Holdings have been longtime supporters and partners of BGCSTL and the youth we serve. Their generous gifts throughout the years have helped us to support and retain staff; enhance transportation; support events; establish the Teen Center of Excellence; and so much more. Without their ongoing support many of the initiatives and programs BGCSTL puts in place for our youth would be limited and we are very thankful for their generosity.”

St. Louis Internship Program Celebrates 30 Years – Over 4,200 Interns Served!

In 2020, BGCSTL finalized its merger with the St. Louis Internship Program (SLIP), a seasoned workforce development program in the St. Louis area. For nearly 30 years, SLIP has provided results-oriented career and college readiness experiences for area youth. SLIP’s goal is to provide hope and opportunity for high school students through paid summer internships, intensive employability training, and year-round college and career planning. SLIP works in partnership with businesses and community organizations, to build the St. Louis community by developing motivated, well-trained, and talented youth for the workforce.

Leading St. Louis business partners who have participated in the program include Emerson, Polsinelli PC, Cushman & Wakefield, Lashly & Baer, RubinBrown, SM Wilson, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, Thompson Coburn, Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, Armstrong Teasdale and Armanino.

Mark Levison is an attorney with Lashley & Baer PC, a member of the Board of Directors for BGCSTL, and a founding Board member of the St. Louis Internship Program. He commented, “Over thirty years ago I got together with Tim Hullverson and several other lawyers with the idea to equip over 50 students with paid internships. We were able to hire and outfit 52 students and today the program has spread to over 37 different cities and we’ve served over 4,200!”

Since its founding in 1992, over 4,200 students have completed the program. Ninety-eight percent have successfully acquired skills, graduated high school and pursued career goals. The interns are recruited from schools all over the city (private, parochial, charter and public).

Dr. Flint Fowler, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis president says of the anniversary, “I am excited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the St. Louis Internship Program. Career readiness and youth employment are critical components of our youth development process. We are fortunate to have this proven program as part of the Boys & Girls Clubs operation.”

Deionna Ferguson, Associate at Polsinelli and SLIP Alum, attributed her career success to the program, saying, “SLIP has truly been my pipeline to success. SLIP not only exposed me to the legal field by allowing me to intern with a law firm in the area, but they also provided me with useful life skills such as networking, professional etiquette and interview skills. When preparing for college, SLIP allowed me to receive specialized tutoring for the ACT test and even allowed me to complete a second internship in my field of study, psychology. SLIP has always been there for me and ensured that I had all the tools I needed to be successful. I truly would not be the attorney that I am today had it not been for the exposure and training I received from the St. Louis Internship Program.”

MORE RESULTS:

More than 98% of SLIP interns graduate high school and go on to college or other post-secondary training programs

Over 75% increase in work readiness and career development skills

Interns complete 60 hours of work readiness training

100% participating students feel better prepared for post-secondary planning

Over 4,200 Interns have completed value added internships while building their professional network

Annually, more than $300,000 of interns wages are recycled back into our regional economy as interns become productive, tax-paying citizens

Companies interested in partnering with the St. Louis Internship Program or students wanting to participate, contact Shanise Johnson at shanise@bgcstl.org or bgcstl.org/slip for more information. To view photos from the 30th Celebration, click here.

GREAT FUTURES MOMENT

JIM BUTLER MEMORIAL GOLF CLASSIC RAISES OVER $325K FOR CLUB KIDS & TEENS

Thanks to the committee, sponsors, players and volunteers who joined us at Norwood Hills Country Club for a day of golf supporting Great Futures for BGCSTL youth at the Jim Butler Memorial Golf Classic! Over $325,000 was raised for Club kids, teens and programs!

At the tournament, two Herbert Hoover Club teens, 17 year old Kiari E. and 12 year old Kanani E. were presented with the Jim Butler Sportsmanship Award, established in honor of the namesake of this year’s golf tournament as a testament to his dedication to the mission to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis and the children and families we serve. Thanks to the generosity of the Butler/Sowers Family and Jim’s friends throughout the area, his legacy will live on through this annual award to inspire and enable our youth to achieve their full potential. The winners also received a $500 scholarship.

To view more photos from the event, click here.

WLC Wednesday SNAPS!
This week we’re giving snaps to Women’s Leadership Circle leader Karen Middleton. She grew up in Saint Louis and remembers taking swim lessons at the Club.

Occupation: Bonds Trader
Favorite Children’s Book: The Velveteen Rabbit
Favorite Snack: Chocolate covered strawberries
Pets: Pearl, 7-year-old Shih Tzu

Advice to yourself: Stay in the moment (you never know when a moment becomes a precious memory)

What do you want women to know about the WLC?
I want women to know that the WLC is an organization comprised of smart, creative, and driven women who are determined and committed to uplifting and improving the lives of the children of the Boys & Girls Club of greater St. Louis.

What is your favorite event, or memory from a WLC event?
My favorite event so far is our signature Table For 4 event held this year at The Ritz Carlton. The energy in the room was electric and our mission was clear…to give from our hearts so we can meet the needs of deserving and talented kids who simply need an opportunity to showcase their abilities.

Why do you support Boys & Girls Club of STL?
I support the Boys and Girls Club of St. Louis because I feel we are all here to serve and help those who we encounter on our life’s journey. For me, that looks like giving myself, my time, and resources to better the lives of our youth.

Interested in learning more about the Women’s Leadership Circle? Contact Failona Collins, Failona@bgcstl.org.

Table for Four Event Raises Funds to Support Boys & Girls Club Youth
TWO Teens Honored with Award for Volunteerism & Leadership
Youth of the Year Awarded a Full Ride Scholarship

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis held its annual Table for Four event on April 14, 2022 at the Ritz Carlton St. Louis. The luncheon, themed, Women Leading the Way, attracted nearly 500 guests and raised over $140k to support programs for girls at the Clubs. Proceeds from this event support activities and experiences designed to help girls develop healthy lifestyles, positive self-esteem and make good decisions.

During the event Mathews-Dickey Club member LaiJeon W. and St. Louis Internship participant Angelia V. won the Joan Ellyn Silber Award for Volunteerism and Leadership, which included a $1,000 scholarship for each! It’s the first time two winners have been selected!

LaiJeon W. is a sophomore at Whitfield School and has served 87 volunteer hours at her school, church Northside Community School and her Club. At the Club she works as a volunteer with the St. Louis Green Machine, helps with community food distribution, assembling care packages and meal kits as well as assistant to the basketball coordinator. Lai Jeon said “The thing I enjoy most about Mathews-Dickey is the automatic feeling that I’m at home and the people there are my family. I love how the Club gives out so many opportunities and is a place for people to grow and flourish in many different fields. I feel honored especially to know that my actions and leadership roles have been acknowledged and even better rewarded. I’m very grateful to have received this award and inspired to do even more.”

Angelia V. is a senior at Hazelwood West High School and has served 110 hours for various after school events, including being her school’s head after school tutor. “Through SLIP I was given the opportunity to learn essential skills for the work place and an internship in a fascinating field I would have never experienced without SLIP’s support. I was able to learn the satisfaction of designing elaborate projects with my coworkers and being able to present them in front of an audience. I will never forget the infinite lessons I learned that summer.” And, of winning the award, she added, “I am looking forward to putting this award to use at WashU where I plan to learn to design technology that helps people. I am beyond grateful to be receiving this award, and I look forward to seeing the changes I am able to make in peoples’ lives through it. Thank you!”

During the event, the BGCSTL 2022 Youth of the Year, Lailah G. was gifted with the Presidential Scholarship (a full ride) to Harris Stowe State University by our Guest of Honor Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith! Table for Four co-chair Laura Herring & Family also pledged to gift her a $5000 scholarship (matching the previously gifted Youth of the Year scholarship by Wanda and Michael DeHaven)! Laura & Lauren Herring are also giving two $500 scholarships through Impact Group Foundation for the girls who did not win the thousand dollar Joan Silber scholarship.

Special thanks to our emcee, Michelle Li (KSDK Anchor & Reporter), guest speaker Joan L. Luby, MD, co-chairs, Karen Jordan| Dentons US, LLP, Lauren Herring| Impact Group and Purvi Maniar| Norton Rose Fulbright and the Table for Four committee for their support of the event. Special mention to Blue Door sponsors Ameren, Dentons, Edward Jones, Impact Group, Object Computing and USBank. To learn more about this event, visit bgcstl.org/tableforfour or for more info on how Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis supports kids and teens around the country, visit bgcstl.org. To view photos from the event, click here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
REQUEST FOR COVERAGE

Contact: Shuntaé Shields Ryan
shuntae@bgcstl.org or 314-335-8009

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis Announces 5.2M Gift from MacKenzie Scott
Donation part of significant $281 million investment in Boys & Girls Clubs around the country

ST. LOUIS (March 17, 2022) – Today, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis announced a gift of $5.2M from MacKenzie Scott. This significant support is part of a larger collective gift of $281 million to 62 local Boys & Girls Clubs and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, one of the largest individual donations in the organization’s 160-year history.
As one of the nation’s largest youth-serving organizations, Boys & Girls Clubs play a significant role in the lives of more than 4 million young people each year. More than 4,700 locations anchored in communities across the country create life-enhancing opportunities for kids and teens to thrive – providing safe places, caring mentors and essential skill-building after school and during the summer.

Boys & Girls Clubs are built with a foundation of inclusion and a sense of belonging, offering ways for youth to achieve their full potential in a safe environment while having fun. Clubs offer homework help, STEM learning, sports and recreation, the arts, life-enhancing leadership opportunities and more.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis President Dr. Flint Fowler says of the gift, “We are grateful for the significant investment from MacKenzie Scott and appreciate her recognizing the value of having a Boys & Girls Club in the lives of kids and teens. This will help us address the significant financial obligations we have in achieving our mission to impact the lives of more youth in our community.”

“Gifts like this are rare and have incredible impact. It’s a historic moment for our organization and the Clubs that received MacKenzie Scott’s significant support,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “We know now, more than ever, that with the right support system, positive mentorship and opportunities, kids can thrive. Thanks to this generous gift, Boys & Girls Clubs can continue to reach even more youth, as we support millions of kids and teens on their journeys to great futures.”
Today, young people face an unprecedented number of obstacles to their success and wellbeing. Studies show that a lack of access to technology, positive mentors and guidance, food insecurity and other critical factors can cause long-term setbacks and trauma for millions of young people.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis does whatever it takes to help kids, families and communities close the opportunity gap, ensuring young people have access to experiences and opportunities that change their lives for the better.
To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis and to support kids and teens around the country, please visit bgcstl.org.

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. BGCSTL provides after-school, teen, sports and summer programs to youth across the Bi-State Region while also providing a safe place for them to learn and grow. The Clubs serve youth across the region at twelve locations, including (Adams Park Club, Boys & Girls Club of Bethalto, Boys & Girls Club of Lovejoy, Hazelwood Elementary School Club, Herbert Hoover Club, Mathews-Dickey Club, Normandy High School, O’Fallon Park Club, Riverview Gardens Club, Roosevelt High School, Hazelwood Southeast Middle School Club and the Teen Center of Excellence). We also operate Mentor St. Louis and the St. Louis Internship Program.

The St. Louis Internship Program is building a pipeline of diverse 21st century talent.

This summer, the offices of St. Louis’ best businesses, nonprofits and organizations will be home to more than 100 hardworking and talented high school students. The St. Louis Internship Program (SLIP), a key part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, creates valuable summer internships proven to increase work readiness and develop professional skills, all while building a diverse and reliable talent pipeline.

Nation-wide, businesses recognize the importance of actionable social purpose and are working to become socially responsible corporate citizens. SLIP’s unique approach to expanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace is a mutually beneficial partnership with business leaders who inspire these young workers by example. The powerful combination of mentoring and coaching cultivates a generation of diverse future leaders who are fully engaged in creating success for employers and advancement in our community.

With the pandemic came a labor/skills shortage that is disrupting businesses across the globe. Workers are looking for organizations that offer meaningful work and opportunities to make an impact. SLIP offers St. Louis area businesses the opportunity to advance their efforts toward corporate citizenship while benefitting from a trained, cost competitive and well-supported workforce.

SLIP empowers students to take critical steps toward meaningful careers. Key to its success is the careful selection and matching of students and employers so that both can maximize the experience. SLIP not only aims to offer students a wide range of job placements, the 30-year-old program is committed to training students to provide excellent service. To ensure job readiness, the students complete an intense, ten-week training focused on professional etiquette, workplace communication, problem solving, professional conduct, networking, resume writing, interviewing and other soft skills. Interns are then placed with business partners where they perform professional-level work, ranging from clerical tasks to research, greeting clients, covering reception duties, data entry, scanning and organizing documents, client projects and more. Each student/employer is assigned a Summer Career Coach who serves as a team liaison. Career Coaches regularly check in with supervisors to evaluate job performance and determine which skills students can develop in order to be more effective at their jobs.

SLIP’s goal is to provide hope and opportunity to high school students in financial need through paid summer internships, intensive employability training, and year-round college and career planning. In partnership with businesses and organizations, SLIP is building the St. Louis community by developing a motivated, well-trained and talented future workforce.

Here is where you come in. The SLIP team continuously works to recruit new employers, while retaining partners from previous years, to hire our interns for the summer. Leading St. Louis business partners include Emerson, Polsinelli PC, Cushman & Wakefield, Lashly & Baer, RubinBrown, SM Wilson, BAMSL, Unleashing Potential, Armstrong Teasdale and Anders CPA.

To join the innovative, impactful and cost-effective SLIP Summer 2022 intern program, contact Lisa Brunts, Workforce Development Recruiter at lisab@bgcstl.org or Shanise Johnson, Director at shanise@bgcstl.org. For additional information, visit bgcstl.org/slip.