STORY

Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Supporting Military Youth Through a New Interactive Online Platform

September 01, 2015
grant check presentation

United Health Foundation awarded the Boys & Girls Clubs of America a $1.75 million grant to create an interactive online platform and mobile application for military kids. (Left-Right) Kevin McCartney, BGCA senior vice president, Government Relations; Col. Eric Dorminey, vice commander of 21st Space Wing; and Dr. John Williams, Sr., M.D., senior medical director, UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans.

"The children of military families are some of our nation's most resilient yet vulnerable youth, who have had to make tremendous sacrifices on behalf of our country," said Jim Clark, president and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA).

Through a $1.75 million partnership grant from United Health Foundation, BGCA is creating an interactive online platform that will provide resources to help children in military families cope with stressors and thrive despite the unique pressures they face, such as watching loved ones and parents deploy and return home from service. The platform will engage military kids through mobile applications, digital community bulletin boards, distance learning opportunities, targeted digital communications and interactive games. The pilot was launched in fall 2015 at five Boys & Girls Clubs Affiliated Youth Centers on military installations across the country before its distribution to more than 4,100 Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide.

"Our nation's service members and their families know the true meaning of sacrifice," said Congressman Doug Lamborn. "The children of our fighting heroes have the strength to endure the challenges associated with this sacrifice, but they need more help from all of us. This program will help them succeed in their new schools and communities as they transition from military to civilian life."

Learn More

Boys & Girls Clubs of America Receives $1.75 Million Grant from United Health Foundation to Support America's Military Kids

Helping 700,000 Military Kids Cope With Change…There’s an App for That

United Health Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs Reach Out to Military

Website: Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Related: Military & Veterans