When Ian M. was a sophomore in high school, he excelled academically and looked forward to coming to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula’s (BGCP) Teen Clubhouse in Redwood City every day after-school.
He was always eager to play basketball, get homework support and spend more time breaking out the creative process in the audio booth. “The Boys and Girls Clubhouse felt comfortable and welcoming and conversations with staff made me want to come back even without my friends.”
Unfortunately, a routine medical procedure turned into a series of surgeries and affected Ian’s life over the next two years in ways he could never have imagined. When he began his senior year at Redwood High School last fall, Ian had missed a lot of school, was failing some classes, and discouraged about his future. “I was lost. I didn’t know who to talk with or be with,” he said. “My road had shifted.”
This year, BGCP launched a new partnership with Redwood High School, as part of our strategic plan to reach a broader range of students. Redwood High serves students who have been failed by traditional schools and need different pathways to graduate high school. David G., BGCP’s Student Pathways Advisor, works full-time on campus and has built strong connections with Ian and other students.
With David’s guidance and encouragement, Ian and some peers agreed to check out BGCP’s Redwood City Teen Clubhouse; they were enticed by the possibility of paid Teen Staff jobs and access to a broad range of activities: academic support, mentoring, social-emotional learning, career opportunities, mental health services and enrichment classes, such as technology, athletics, art, leadership, and culinary, that help students discover their talents and passions.
Each year, over 2,500 students from kindergarten through postsecondary join BGCP’s year-round after-school programs at 14 school sites and three clubhouses in the low-income historically marginalized neighborhoods of East Palo Alto, eastern Menlo Park, and North Fair Oaks in Redwood City. Youth in the neighborhoods served by BGCP face significant challenges and it is easy for our students to become overwhelmed and want to give up. Across all our sites, students form positive relationships with caring adults, role models who help them feel a sense of belonging, develop a sense of possibility and set goals for their future.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula is one of the beneficiaries of this winter’s Almanac Holiday Fund, which just had a record year for donations. Because The Almanac and its partner the Silicon Valley Community Foundation cover all the administrative costs, every dollar raised goes directly to this year’s 10 nonprofit organizations.
Today, Ian is a college-bound senior who strolls confidently into the BGCP Clubhouse greeting staff and ready to get going on his homework, start his Teen Staff job in the audio studio or refine his speech for the final rounds of the Youth of the Year selection process. Ian’s voice breaks slightly as he recalls his return to the Clubhouse after the first day of school.
“I instantly felt rejuvenated. I had a feeling of nostalgia. I will never forget the feeling when I came back and was welcomed by the staff. I was back at my second home,” he said.
Ian has once again immersed himself in the audio studio where he is building his production skills and looking forward to studying music in college. Reflecting on the impact BGCP has made in his life, Ian says, “I am learning new skills every day because I am now an employee of BGCP. Being a teen staff member has given me a sense of responsibility and ownership. I am so grateful to BGCP, especially the Redwood City Clubhouse, for helping me to become the person I am today.”
Stephanie Ogden, the principal at Redwood High School, echoes Ian’s sentiments: “What you have done for our school is just amazing. BGCP is an outstanding presence on our campus and it is changing people’s lives just in front of us.”
BGCP’s 2021-22 school year is off to a strong start and we are excited to be serving a greater number of students than we ever have before. With programs at three new schools and the launch of our new Barry Carr sports leagues, BGCP is eager to welcome many more students and empower them with opportunities to thrive.
Elizabeth Harris is the grants manager for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula
Menlo Park Mayor Betsy Nash won’t seek reelection after eight years on City CouncilMarch 24, 2026 10:41 am