Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland Youth Programs

Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland Programs offer after-school and school break programming that includes academic and leadership activities such as college and career readiness, tutoring, mentorship, and leadership development, as well as arts and sports activities that include creative expression and athletic activities. The program offers after-school time on school days and full-day enrichment during summer and school breaks. Programming is available at multiple club branches and is supported by van transportation from many Oakland Unified School District schools.

• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: After-school options until 8:00 PM on school days, with full-day options from 8:00 AM–6:00 PM during summer and school breaks

Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland has operated for over 85 years, beginning in 1937 as the West Oakland Boys Recreation Center and later incorporating as the Oakland Boys Club in 1938 before becoming Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland in 1989. The organization’s vision is to inspire and empower Oakland’s youth, especially those who need it most, by providing safe spaces, caring mentors, and programs that focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character development, with a mission of developing Oakland’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders and positive contributors to the community. Leadership includes Branch Directors Louis Otis, Leiani Celestan, and Rodney Cook, and President & CEO John Mascali as of October 2023, with historical leaders including Cal Stanley, Gilbert D. Eaton, Marion F. Sims, and Veronica Fauntleroy. Community involvement includes partnerships with the Oakland Housing Authority that led to additional branches in the 1990s and participation in events such as Oakland Roots BGCO Day in 2026, where a portion of ticket sales supports Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland.

Last updated July 31, 2026.