November 2026

Welcome to the November 2026 edition of Community & Club Connections, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area’s (BGCAA) monthly newsletter! Stay up to date on the latest news about our programs, upcoming events, and how we’re empowering youth in academics, leadership, health & well-being, and life & workforce readiness.

The 2026 Great Futures Gala, presented by Haveli Investments, raised $1.195 million to support young people across the Austin area, celebrating the strengths, talents, and potential within every young person. An inspiring keynote from award-winning journalist and proud former Club kid John Quiñones, along with a powerful Mission Moment from Club member Kaitlyn S., brought the theme of The Champion Within to life, reminding us of the importance of believing in young people and creating opportunities for them to discover their strengths and reach their full potential.

🤘 Building Great Futures at Longhorn GreatDay!

BGCAA recently hosted the 4th annual Longhorn GREATDAY, welcoming more than 125 University of Texas at Austin Sports Communications students and 20+ UT student-athletes for an afternoon of active play, mentorship, and Longhorn spirit. 

Club members enjoyed stations featuring sports, games, and creative activities, supported by UT volunteers who brought energy and encouragement throughout the day. We’re grateful to the UT students and athletes for making this day unforgettable for our Club kids. 

A big thank you to Craig Lieberman and Antone’s Famous Po’ Boys for providing delicious sandwiches for the event! It was a first taste of Antone’s for many attendees, making it an extra-special treat.

💡 Keeping the Lights on for Great Futures

Clubs celebrated National Lights On Afterschool across 41 Club sites! Club members enjoyed a variety of activities and moments of connection, highlighting the importance of after-school programs in providing safe, supportive spaces for young people to learn, grow and build meaningful relationships.

Thank you to our Club members, staff, families, and community partners for helping keep the lights on for Austin’s youth and their great futures!

🏁 Club Kids Kick-Off F1 as Grid Kids

On October 25, 24 Chalmers Boys & Girls Club members traveled to Circuit of the Americas as part of F1’s Grid Kids program. They were welcomed with personalized VIP credentials and a golf cart tour of the grounds, then got a behind-the-scenes look at the paddock and the Williams Racing garage. The highlight came on the starting grid, where each member stood alongside a driver during the National Anthem.

"Going to Formula 1 was an unforgettable experience, especially since it was my first time attending. I even had the opportunity to stand next to Checo Pérez and I was excited to introduce myself to him! This is one of the coolest experiences I’ve had at BGC, and I’m grateful I got to be a part of it." –Iker, 6th Grade, Chalmers BGC Member

Thank you to F1, Circuit of the Americas, and Williams F1 Team for opening the doors, and to the drivers for making our Club kids feel like part of the team. 

🏎️ Club Teens Hit the Fast Lane at the Apple Store

A group of 13 teens from the Gus Garcia Boys & Girls Club got a front-row look at the fast-paced world of Formula 1 during a special visit to the Apple Store at The Domain!

From pit crew operations to the drivers behind the wheel, teens gained a firsthand look at motorsports and explored the exciting career opportunities available in the industry.

Thank you to Apple and the Haas F1 Team for giving our teens a glimpse into the world of motorsports and new possibilities for their futures!

Clubs Expanding to Hook 'Em at UT Elementary Boys & Girls Club

We celebrated the opening of the new University of Texas Elementary Boys & Girls Club alongside students, families, and community leaders! The celebration featured special remarks from BGCAA CEO Zenae Campbell, Travis County Judge Andy Brown, and UT Elementary Principal Dr. Lara Wilder, marking an exciting new chapter of opportunities for young people and families in the community.

📺 KVUE News: The University of Texas Elementary Boys & Girls Club Ribbon-Cutting Celebration

Celebrating 100th Van Grant with Bridgestone and BGCA!

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area was honored to receive the 100th Driving Great Futures van through the partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Bridgestone. This generous donation will help connect Club kids to more opportunities, from attending their Clubs and participating in field trips to exploring college campuses and discovering new possibilities for their futures.

📺 KXAN News: Bridgestone Surpasses 100 Van Donations to Boys & Girls Clubs in Company Centennial

Building Confidence, One Basket at a Time

Through the summer BGCAA AAU Girls basketball team, Club members are building confidence, strengthening their well-being, and discovering their potential—all at no cost to families. As women’s sports continue to grow, we’re proud to create more opportunities for girls to take the court and discover the champion within.

📺 Spectrum News: Interest in women’s sports skyrockets as participation in girls' basketball rises

🌟 Celebrating Lights On Afterschool

BGCAA CEO Zenae Campbell and Club staff joined the Travis County Commissioners Court as it proclaimed October 22, 2026, Lights On Afterschool Day in Travis County.

The proclamation recognizes the importance of afterschool programs in providing young people with safe, supportive spaces to build relationships, develop new skills, and discover their potential.

We’re grateful to Travis County Judge Andy Brown and Commissioners Jeff Travillion, Brigid Shea, Ann Howard, and George Morales for recognizing the impact of afterschool programs and championing opportunities for young people across our community.

🌟 U.S. Conference of Mayors Stops at Chalmers BGC

Mayor Kirk Watson, along with mayors from across the nation, stopped in Austin to discuss housing affordability during their U.S. Conference of Mayors tour.

During their visit, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area CEO Zenae Campbell welcomed the mayors to the Chalmers Boys & Girls Club for a tour and an opportunity to see how community partnerships create meaningful opportunities for young people and families.

Through our partnership with the Austin Housing Authority, we are proud to help strengthen the Chalmers, Booker T. Washington, and Meadowbrook communities by providing a welcoming space where residents and their families can learn, grow, and thrive. We were grateful to welcome the mayors of San Diego, CA; Lincoln, NE; and Hartford, CT, as well as U.S. Conference of Mayors President Todd Gloria.

As Austin continues to navigate housing affordability challenges, partnerships like this demonstrate the importance of investing in neighborhoods and the people who make them strong. Together, we are creating more opportunities for young people and strengthening Club communities, one neighborhood at a time.

✨ BGCAA Receives $100,000 Community Grant from Taco Bell Foundation

BGCAA has been selected as a 2026 Community Grant recipient from the Taco Bell Foundation! This grant will support our Life & Workforce readiness programming, giving more young people access to the tools, experiences, and support they need to explore careers, prepare for adulthood, and pursue fulfilling, economically viable career paths.

We’re grateful to the Taco Bell Foundation and Tacala Companies for believing in our youth's potential and investing in their futures.

November

3-5

Boys & Girls Clubs of America Southwest Leadership Conference in Austin

For three days, Boys & Girls Club leaders from seven Southwest Region states will come together to connect, learn, and celebrate.

November

25-27

BGCAA Closed for Thanksgiving Break

November 25-27: BGCAA Clubs and HQ Closed 

November 23-24: Chalmers, Meadowbrook & BookerT. Washington Clubs and Home Club are open for Full-Day Camp; all other Clubs Closed

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