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» Character & Leadership Development

Programs in this core area empower youth to support and influence their Club and community, sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop a positive self-image, participate in the democratic process and respect their own and others' cultural identities.

Key Programs

• Youth of the Year
  This program is designed to promote and recognize service to the Club and community, academic performance and contribution to family and spiritual life. The local Club selects a Youth of the Year who competes in a state competition. State winners enter the regional competition. Regional winners go on to compete in a National competition. The National Youth of the Year receives a $10,000 scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States.
  
  
• Torch Clubs
  Torch Clubs are leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 11-12 focusing on character development. Torch Club members learn to elect officers and work together to plan and implement activities in four areas: service to Club and community, education, health and fitness and social recreation. Each year, Torch Club members from all over the country take part in a service-learning experience through the National Torch Club Project.
  
  
• Keystone Clubs
  Keystone Clubs are leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 14-18. Keystone Club members elect officers and plan and implement their own activities in six areas: service to Club and community, leadership development, education and career exploration, unity, free enterprise and social recreation. Keystone Club members and their advisors are eligible for nomination to steering committees which organize regional and national TEENSupreme Keystone Conferences attended by thousands of Keystone members each year.
  
  
• Additional Programs include: Girls Scouts, Youth of the Month, Junior Volunteers, Community Service Projects, Youth Councils and Youth Speakers.
  

» Education & Career Development

These programs enable youth to become proficient in basic educational disciplines, apply learning to everyday situations and embrace technology to achieve success in a career.

Key Programs

• Project Learn
  Project Learn reinforces and enhances the skills and knowledge young people learn at school during the hours they spend at the Club and in the home. The program is based on Dr. Reginald Clark's research showing that students do much better in school when they spend their non-school hours engaged in "fun" but academically beneficial activities. Our staff uses all the areas and programs in the Club to create opportunities for "high-yield learning activities," which include leisure reading, writing activities, homework help and games like Scrabble which develop young people's cognitive skills. The program emphasizes collaborations between Club staff, parents and school personnel. Formally evaluated by Columbia University, Project Learn has been proven to boost the academic performance of Club members.
  
  
• Power Hour
  A comprehensive homework help and tutoring program, Power Hour is designed to raise the academic proficiency of Club members ages 6-12.
  
  
• Additional Programs include: Reading Circle, Career Explores Club, Jr. Staff and College Bound, Project Care, Quiz Bowl, Black History Knowledge Bowl, Computer Training, and much more.
  

» Health & Life Skills

Programs in this area develop young people's capacity to engage in positive behaviors that nurture their own well-being, set personal goals and live successfully as self-sufficient adults.

Key Programs

• SMART Moves
  SMART Moves is a comprehensive prevention program which helps young people resist alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, as well as premature sexual activity. The program uses a teach approach involving Club staff, peer leaders, parents and community representatives. This year-round program teaches young people ages 6-15 how to say no by involving them in discussion and role-playing, practicing resistance and refusal skills, developing assertiveness, strengthening decision-making skills and analyzing media and peer influence. The program's components include: SMART Kids, for children ages 6-9, Start SMART, for youth ages 10-12, Stay SMART, for youth ages 13-15 and SMART Parents, for parents of Club members participating in SMART Moves.
  
  
• Act SMART
  Act SMART is an HIV/AIDS prevention program designed for Club members ages 6-17. Youth gain an increased understanding of adolescent sexuality, and an ability to demonstrate resistance skills. Ultimately, this program prevents not only early pregnancy but exposure to STD's as well.
  
  
• Street SMART
  Street SMART consists of three components designed to help young people ages 11-13 effectively resist gangs and violence, resolve conflicts and be positive peer helpers in their communities. It also allows them the opportunity to hold annual events that celebrate anti-gang, anti-violence themes.
  
  
• SMART Girls
  SMART Girls is a health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement program for girls ages 10-15. The program is designed to encourage healthy attitudes and lifestyles that will enable early adolescent girls to develop to their full potential.
  
  
• Passport to Manhood
  Passport to Manhood promotes and teaches responsibility while reinforcing positive behavior in male Club members ages 11-14. The program consists of small-group sessions which concentrate on a specific aspect of manhood through highly interactive activities. Each participate is issued his own passport to underscore the idea that he is on a journey of maturation and personal growth.
  
  
• Kids In Control
  Kids in Control is a safety awareness program designed to help Club members ages 8-10 develop the personal safety habits and practical skills needed to be safe at the Club, at home and in the neighborhood. The program offers interactive approaches to building Club members' crime prevention and personal safety skills through role-playing, games and other participatory activities.
  
  
• Cavity-Free Zone
  Cavity-Free Zone was developed to improve the oral health of Club members ages 6-18. Through oral health educational program materials, a web site and collaborative efforts with local dental schools, dental societies and other health care agencies, Cavity-Free Zone will help improve the dental health among disadvantaged youth.
  
  

» Sports, Fitness & Recreation

Programs in this area develop fitness, positive use of leisure time, skills for stress management, appreciation for the environment and social skills.

Key Programs

• Fitness Authority
  Fitness Authority was instituted to reverse the increasing rate of obesity and lack of regular physical activity among youth. The program motivates members to set fitness goals and increase their activity levels. This program includes three age groups. Fitness Squad ages 6-9, Fitness Masters ages 10-14, and Fitness All-Stars ages 15-18. Sessions cover every aspect of fitness.
  
  
• Team Sports
  Team sports programs such as basketball, baseball, softball and soccer are open to all Club members. Participates are taught the value of teamwork, good sportsmanship and discipline. Teams compete with each other locally and regionally.
  
  
• Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA
  This national youth basketball initiative, launched by the NBA and WNBA, connects players, parents and coaches. Subjects include advice for coaches from the first practice to the final game, ideas on creating a positive and fun environment for youth and tips for players ranging from skills to sportsmanship.
  
  
• Additional programs include: Rookie League, Table Tennis, Outdoor Field Trips, Board Games and much more.
  
  
  

» The Arts

Programs in this area enable youth to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through knowledge and appreciation of the visual arts, crafts, performing arts and creative writing.

Key Programs

• Fine Arts Exhibit Program
  The Fine Arts Exhibit Program encourages artistic expression among Club members. Youth are encouraged to create artwork in any of the following categories: drawing, painting, print making, collage and mixed media. Artwork selected through a national competition is displayed at the National Conference.
  
  
• Cultural Awareness Programs
  Cultural Awareness programs are provided throughout the year to allow youth to experience different cultures. Through these programs youth can gain understanding and respect for people from different backgrounds.
  
  
• Additional programs include: Photography, Voices of Unity Choir, Step Team, Dance, Finger Painting, Gardening and Field Trips.