Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Youth Development Programs in San Antonio
Since 1939, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio (BGCSA) has provided life-changing programs for youth aged 6 to 18, fostering academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles. Our six Clubhouses and 19 Extended Day Programs operate in underserved neighborhoods, offering homework help, college readiness initiatives, mental health support, and sports leagues. With a focus on equity and accessibility, we serve communities where 95% of youth identify as Hispanic or another minority race, 97% qualify for free/reduced lunch, and 55% live in single-parent, grandparent, or foster care households.Our staff and volunteers undergo mandatory background checks, annual safety training, and maintain zero tolerance for misconduct. We partner with leading safety experts and provide transportation, meals, and scholarships to ensure every child can access our programs. BGCSA alumni have received millions in scholarships, while our community partnerships with organizations like Texas A&M AgriLife and the San Antonio Spurs create unique learning opportunities.
Services
After School Programs
Summer Camp
Sports Facility Rental
Scholarships
Sports Leagues
Details
- Year established: 1939
Highlights and features
- We provide 82 years of experience in youth development programs with measurable outcomes
- Our certified staff implements nationally recognized curricula from Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonios of America
- Zero tolerance policy with mandatory background checks for all staff and volunteers
- Serves families in three of San Antonio's poorest ZIP codes with transportation assistance
- Provides meals, homework help, and scholarship opportunities to 97% low-income participants
What people say
Safe environment
Homework help available
Improved grades
Positive role models
Affordable programs
Services
After School Programs
Our weekday after-school programs serve children aged 6-18 through homework help, academic tutoring, and character development activities. Certified staff provide Sylvan Learning tutoring, college preparation, and STEM education while offering safe transportation and meals. The programs aim to prevent summer learning loss and improve academic performance for underserved youth.
Summer Camp
Six-week summer day camps provide structured academic enrichment, sports leagues, and field trips to local attractions. Certified staff offer college readiness workshops, career exploration opportunities, and physical activity programs while providing three meals daily. The program helps combat summer learning loss and keeps children engaged during school breaks.
Sports Facility Rental
We offer rental of multiple sports fields and gymnasiums for organized team practices and leagues. Our facilities include baseball fields, basketball courts, and multipurpose gyms available during non-program hours. Renters must maintain liability insurance and follow strict cleanup policies to ensure facility maintenance.
Scholarship Program
BGCSA provides educational scholarships to graduating seniors and full-time undergraduate students based on club membership duration and academic achievement. Awards require minimum 2-year membership and GPA requirements. Successful applicants demonstrate leadership through community service and participation in youth development programs.
Sports Leagues
Intramural sports leagues include baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and flag football for ages 6-18. Certified coaches teach teamwork, discipline, and healthy living while emphasizing skill development over competition. Partnerships with the Spurs and SAPD provide specialized clinics and community engagement opportunities.
People
Ada Saenz
Chief Executive Officer
With decades of nonprofit leadership experience, Ada Saenz directs BGCSA's strategic vision and organizational growth while maintaining our commitment to youth development.
Tia Jackson
Chief Operations Officer
Tia Jackson oversees daily operations of our Clubhouses and Extended Day Programs, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality services across all locations.
Ashlyn Barnes
Chief Financial Officer
Ashlyn Barnes manages financial operations and resource allocation to maintain program affordability and expand access to underserved communities.
Jessica Smith-Perry
Chief Development Officer
Jessica Smith-Perry leads fundraising initiatives and community partnerships that support scholarship programs and facility improvements for youth members.
Ryan Brown
Chief Program Officer
Ryan Brown supervises educational curricula, mental health services, and character development programs that serve over 6,000 San Antonio youth annually.
Questions
What age groups do BGCSA programs serve?
Our Clubhouses serve youth aged 6-18 year-round. Extended Day Programs operate during school hours for elementary students while Summer Camp accepts children aged 6-18.
How does BGCSA support academic success?
We provide daily homework help through Sylvan Learning tutors, reading programs for grades 1-3, college preparation workshops, and career development resources for teens.
Are scholarships available for membership fees?
Yes. Hardship scholarships are available at all locations. Military families, Medicaid recipients, and those with financial need qualify for reduced or free membership.
What safety measures are in place for members?
We implement annual safety assessments, mandatory background checks for all staff, and 24/7 child safety hotline reporting. Programs follow strict supervision protocols to prevent misconduct.
Can families tour Clubhouse facilities before joining?
Yes. We encourage prospective members to schedule facility tours and meet staff before registration. Contact your preferred location to arrange a visit.
How does BGCSA involve parents in programs?
Parents receive regular updates through our newsletter, volunteer opportunities, and family events. We partner with caregivers to support youth development goals.
