Welcome to the October 2025 edition of Community & Club Connections, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area’s (BGCAA) monthly newsletter! Stay up to date with the latest news on our programs, upcoming events, and the ways we’re empowering youth in academics, leadership, health & well-being, and life & workforce readiness.

October 2025 Edition

From our Club kids to our staff, Hispanic and Latino voices make our community stronger. With over half of our youth and families identifying as Hispanic or Latino, we’re proud to share their stories, celebrate their resilience, and spotlight the leaders they are becoming.

At BGCAA, we have the privilege of supporting members as they engage in learning and cultural activities that foster respect, pride, and understanding for diverse cultures and identities. 

Honoring Heritage, Inspiring Futures

This Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month, we’re proud to celebrate Miguel Guerrero, a former Club kid who has been part of the Boys & Girls Club family since the second grade. From his first job as a Youth Development Professional to now serving Austin youth as our new Director of Teen Services, his journey reflects the lifelong impact of the Club.

For Miguel, his heritage is not only a source of pride but also the foundation of his connection with our youth.

“I see a reflection of myself in our members. They inspire me, and I hope they see a reflection of themselves in me too—that they’re inspired to learn, grow, and know they truly belong.”

By sharing his culture, language, and story, Miguel connects deeply with both members and families, creating a safe space where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered.

Program Highlights

Healthy Futures Take a Swing: Bank of America Golf Clinic

BGCAA members got active and embraced healthy habits at the Bank of America “Golf With Us” Clinic at the Jimmy Clay-Roy Kizer Golf Course. Alongside former UT football stars Colt McCoy and BGCAA Board Member Jamaal Charles, as well as Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam, Club members not only learned golf techniques but also built confidence, improved coordination, and experienced the joy of physical activity—key elements of our Health & Well-Being pillar.

Workforce Development Month with Next Gen Academy

In recognition of September’s Workforce Development Month, we celebrate our pilot program, Next Gen Academy. This summer, they visited Samsung Austin Semiconductor, where they explored the semiconductor showroom, toured the observation deck, and had direct interactions with engineers and technicians. 

Through hands-on learning and real-world conversations, our teens gained firsthand insights into STEM careers, envisioned themselves in these roles, and strengthened the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the workforce. Experiences like this help Club members prepare for life beyond the classroom, build career readiness, and take the first steps toward a future full of opportunities.

Sweet Success: Learning with Mango Math

At Harris Elementary and Blake Manor Elementary Boys & Girls Clubs, members are bringing math to life through hands-on activities that connect learning to the real world. Harris members applied spatial awareness and 2D shapes to create tangrams, while Blake Manor members explored geometry and algebra through interactive games.

These experiences build confidence, spark curiosity, and reinforce academic skills, showing that math can be both fun and meaningful—laying a strong foundation for future success in school and beyond.

Voices for Great Futures

Council Member José Velásquez visited Home Club this past month to learn more about how the BGCAA in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA), is empowering youth right in their own home communities. During his visit, he met with Club and HACA leaders, where he learned about our shared efforts to expand opportunities for young people through academic success, mentorship, and character & leadership programs.

Council Member Velásquez has also connected with our Meadowbrook members, who recently advocated for a safer community through their Think. Learn. Create Change. program—showcasing the power of youth voice in creating change.  

Community Connections

Preparing Youth of the Year Candidates to Shine

Preparing for the Youth of the Year program is about more than speeches and interviews—it’s about helping young leaders step into their full potential. Thanks to the generous support of The Domain Austin and Macy’s, our Youth of the Year and Junior Youth of the Year candidates were able to choose professional attire and receive personalized guidance from stylists for fittings and advice.

With this support, our teens will step onto the stage feeling proud, polished, and ready to share their impactful stories. We’re deeply grateful to our partners for believing in the potential of every Club kid and helping them show up as their very best selves. 

Boys & Girls Breakfast Club: Investing in Youth, Building a Stronger Tomorrow

Community leaders recently joined us at the fall Boys & Girls Breakfast Club to share one powerful truth: investing in youth today builds a stronger tomorrow. 

We’re grateful to our panelists—Travis County Judge Andy Brown, President and CEO of Texas Economic Development Corporation, Aaron Demerson, and Superintendent of Round Rock Schools, Dr. Hafedh Azaiez—for leading inspiring conversations on education, workforce development, and the vital role of out-of-school programs. Their insights underscored the importance of equipping young people with the necessary tools and opportunities to thrive.

Together, we’re preparing today’s Club kids to succeed as the leaders of tomorrow. 

Haveli Investments Volunteers Bring Joy to Home Club

We were honored to welcome the incredible team from Haveli Investments to our Home Club on the Sheth Family Campus. Their volunteers brought energy, encouragement, and care as they played games, built Legos, shot hoops, and engaged in meaningful conversations with our youth. 



These moments of mentorship remind our members that they are supported, valued, and capable of achieving great things. We’re grateful to Haveli Investments for helping us build Great Futures—one smile, one conversation, and one shared moment at a time. 

Equipped for Learning, Empowered for Growth

Club teens kicked off the school year with a special Target shopping spree, thanks to the Point of Light Foundation. From school supplies and gear to new outfits, our members left feeling confident, prepared, and ready to shine in the classroom. 

Moments like these remind our youth that their community believes in them and is invested in their success. With the right tools and encouragement, our Club members are stepping into the school year ready to learn, grow, and achieve great things. 

Strengthening Futures at LBJ High

Thanks to Austin FC and Planet Fitness, our LBJ High Club athletes—and all students—now have access to new workout equipment in their weight room. This September, Club athletes, including senior Antione, were on hand to see the delivery. The room buzzed with excitement as students envisioned how these new tools will support their training, physical fitness, and overall well-being, while also fostering teamwork and healthy habits throughout the year.

“It feels great that we get equipment for our team to be better trained and fit. It’ll help all of us out!” - Antione, LBJ BGC Member 

📅 Events

August 20 - October

18

Donate In-Store at Carter’s now until October 18

Donate in-store at Carter’s in Southpark Meadows or Burleson Crossing to help fund early learning and arts programs.

October

23

Teen Night

Want your teen to join a fun and exciting field trip adventure? Email Miguel Guererro, Director of Teen Services at miguel.guerrero@bgcaustin.org for more information.

October

24

Great Futures Gala

Tickets are sold out for the 2025 Great Futures Gala, but you can still make an impact by donating today. We’re excited for an unforgettable night of impact and inspiration!

November

6

Longhorn Great Day at Home Club

University of Texas at Austin student-athletes and Moody College of Communication students will visit the Home Club on the Sheth Family campus for the 3rd annual Longhorn Great Day.

November

13

Great Futures Family Night

Join us for an evening of FAFSA workshops where families of teen Club members learn more about important life transitions and prepare youth for life after high school.

Get Involved: You can support our mission by donating, volunteering, or partnering with us.