Our Mission & General Information

Our Mission

To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Our Vision

To be the place for youth in East Tennessee by providing opportunities and relationships that build their sense of belonging and unlock their potential for lifelong success.

Engage. Inspire. Empower.

At Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, our mission is to change lives—and we can prove it! Our after-school and summer programs offer kids and teens the chance to explore their interests and discover their passions through engaging educational activities.

Academic Success

Our Academic Success programs are designed to help youth reach their full potential. We focus on building strong educational foundations, teaching practical life skills, and using technology to prepare members for future careers. By supporting those who need us most, we help boost graduation rates, ensuring our members are ready for college, trade school, the military, or a rewarding career. We believe every young person deserves the chance to succeed and create a bright future.

Character & Leadership

We’re all about building young leaders. Our Character & Leadership programs empower kids and teens to take on leadership roles and understand the responsibilities of citizenship. We introduce them to different cultures, teach them about potential career paths, and help them develop skills like interviewing and public speaking. Most importantly, we emphasize the value of building strong relationships, developing a positive self-image, and being a positive influence on others.

Healthy Lifestyles

Our Healthy Lifestyles programs empower youth to live healthier lives through physical activity, nutritious eating, and positive social behaviors. We inspire our members to stay active, make smart food choices, and develop social awareness. By offering a variety of programs, workshops, and clinics—often in partnership with professionals—we help build strong, healthy habits and relationships within our community.

Member Emotional & Social Health

Our Member Emotional & Social Health (MESH) program is here to support the mental health and well-being of our youth. We focus on promoting positive social and emotional skills, building resilience, and helping kids cope with the challenges they face.

Youth Arts Initiative (YAI)

Our YAI program sparks creativity and provides outlets for self-expression in young people. From theater to ceramics, there’s something to inspire everyone. YAI offers K-12 members high-quality visual, applied, and performing arts programs, helping them develop hands-on skills with real tools and technology. Participating in YAI not only boosts artistic skills but also enhances academic performance and builds confidence. Through this program, our members grow as both artists and individuals, developing essential social, emotional, and cognitive skills.

YouthForce

Our YouthForce program connects teens aged 14-18 with businesses that are eager to invest in their growth and development. Through YouthForce, teens gain essential skills for workforce success, including how to get and keep a job, and how to find a career that matches their interests and talents. We help them discover the right educational and career path to achieve their goals, setting them up for a bright and successful future.

Credentials:  We are a licensed day care facility through the State of Tennessee. Our staff is trained in Frist Aid & CPR, and they participate in ongoing training and professional development through state programs as well as with Boys & Girls Clubs of America.  All staff and volunteers have gone through a background check through the Knoxville Police Department, the Sex Offender Registry & Abuse Registry.  Boys & Girls Clubs follows the requirements of Title VI and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, disability, religion or nationality.