A monthly newsletter by Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County featuring a letter from our President & CEO, upcoming events and programs, plus recaps from the previous month.

Dear Brandon,

As we celebrate Women’s History Month and Women in Construction Week, we take this time to recognize the incredible contributions of women in the skilled trades. At the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center, we are committed to breaking barriers and creating pathways

for all young people to explore careers in construction. This Friday, we’re hosting a Construction Career Fair, open to anyone interested in learning more about opportunities in the skilled trades and connecting with industry leaders.

In addition to workforce development, we are gearing up for one of our biggest community events - the Shamrock Shuffle on March 15th! Whether you run, walk, bike in our 10K ride, or volunteer, your participation helps support programs that empower young people across Dane County. If you haven’t signed up yet, now is the time to get involved in this fun and impactful event.

Your generosity fuels our mission. As we continue to provide life-changing programs for youth, we invite you to invest in their future by donating to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County. Every contribution makes a difference in shaping tomorrow’s leaders. Thank you for your support and for standing with us in creating opportunities for all.

Join us on Sunday, March 9th, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Crisp & Green to kick off Shamrock Shuffle Week! This weeklong celebration leads up to the Shamrock Shuffle on March 15th, with portions of proceeds throughout the week benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County.

A portion of all proceeds from March 9th and throughout the week will go directly toward helping local youth. Whether you dine in, order for takeout, or get delivery through the app, every meal makes a difference!

Let’s start Shamrock Shuffle Week with good food, good company, and a great cause. See you there!

MADISON SHAMROCK SHUFFLE

The Madison Shamrock Shuffle is back for 2025 and better than ever! Join us on March 15th for a family-friendly 10K bike ride, 10K run, and 5K run/walk - perfect for everyone, from serious athletes to families, corporate teams, and couch-to-5K beginners alike.

This year, we’re excited to introduce a referral program, new fundraising incentives, and an EPIC afterparty! Plan your best St. Patrick’s Day outfit, get ready for a fun-filled event supporting a great cause, and REGISTER TODAY!

BUILD YOUR FUTURE

The Latino Academy of Workforce Development, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, is hosting a Construction Career Fair on Friday, March 7th, at the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center in Fitchburg. Running from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the event will connect job seekers of all backgrounds, including youth and families, with leading construction employers. With Madison Metropolitan Schools closed for conferences that day, students are encouraged to explore career opportunities in the skilled trades. Nineteen companies have already signed up, with one exhibitor spot still available. In preparation, youth can participate in career readiness workshops from March 4th to 6th, covering AI-powered job searching, resume building, and interview skills. Pre-registration is encouraged for job seekers.

McKenzie Family Club Hosting

Galin Education Diag Day

The McKenzie Family Boys & Girls Clubs and our Education Team are excited to partner with Galin Scholars to host a free practice ACT® testing day for all 10th graders on March 11th. Known as Diagnostic ACT® Day, this initiative gives sophomores a valuable opportunity to take a full-length practice test while juniors complete the official ACT® as part of Wisconsin’s statewide testing.

Hosted in collaboration with the non-profit Galin Scholars, this free exam helps students identify their strengths and areas for growth, giving them a head start on preparing for the real test next year. Interested students can register at the link below!

SPRING BREAK AT THE CLUBS

The TOPS College Success Team hosted an informative event on Wednesday, February 26, to help 9th–11th grade students navigate the college access journey. The team covered essential topics on how to explore, prepare for, and pay for college.

We were incredibly fortunate to receive a generous donation from Cousins Subs, allowing us to provide dinner for all attendees! Several universities, including UW-Madison, Edgewood College, Madison College, UW-Milwaukee, and UW-Oshkosh, joined us to speak one-on-one with students, offering valuable information and resources.

ENGINEERING DAY INSPIRES YOUNG MINDS!

On Friday, February 21st, our Engineering Day Workshop, presented by Careerforce Build Up!, gave youth ages 13-17 an exciting hands-on experience with real-world engineering projects! Local engineers from the Madison area led a variety of activities, including Energy with MG&E, Electronic Motor Magic, Glider Planes, and The Bridge Challenge—where students built bridges to test their strength under weight. With even more engaging projects and a pizza lunch, it was a fun and inspiring day of learning!

BLACK HISTORY SCAVENGER HUNT

This last week at the McKenzie Family Club, our members took part in an exciting Black History Month Scavenger Hunt! They explored the Club, matching famous Black leaders, innovators, and changemakers with their bios. It was a fun and engaging way to learn about history while celebrating Black excellence!

Tuesdays at Allied just got even more EXCITING!

Thanks to our incredible partnerships with the UW Veterinary Program and the Girl Scouts, our Allied Youth program has been able to provide dynamic, hands-on experiences that inspire and empower young leaders. From exploring STEM-related fields to developing valuable life skills, these opportunities are shaping the next generation of changemakers in our communities and beyond!

SPREADING LOVE & CREATIVITY

At the Fleming Boys and Girls Club, Valentine’s Day featured a craft session for the kids. They made Valentine’s Day bags, "Love Bug" headbands, and cards. The children decorated bags with hearts and stickers to hold treats. For the headbands, they used paper and pipe cleaners to create accessories with heart-shaped antennae. They also made cards, writing messages to their loved ones. Staff helped members cut strips, glue decorations, and fit the headbands. The kids wore their headbands and moved around the club like love bugs.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County is seeking a Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

The Assistant Teacher is responsible for assisting and partnering with the Lead Teacher in developing and implementing a program of activities that promotes the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child enrolled following Wisconsin Childcare Licensing (DCF 251), Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards, Creative Curriculum, and Wisconsin YoungStar standards. The duties and responsibilities will be carried out under the direction of the Lead Teacher and Program Director.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Assist the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing daily activities based on child development principles and curriculum.

• Encourage and model appropriate social behavior while maintaining site & sound supervision of children.

• Ensure compliance with State of WI DCF 251 Childcare Licensing Rules and maintain accurate tracking records.

Part-time

$17.00 - $19.00 per hour