Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco is proud to shine a spotlight on the latest addition to our Clubhouse family: BGCSF Beacon at Malcolm X Academy Elementary School!

This school-based Club is our third site serving the Bayview and Hunters Point communities and is open to all kids for afterschool programming. The school currently enrolls approximately 100 K-5 students and the Club here regularly serves 35 students on a daily basis. 
‍

As a BGCSF Beacon Site, our afterschool program at Malcolm X Academy is an example of a civic partnership that provides youth and families with a full range of opportunities and support. Site Director, Sara Reyna, has served the BGCSF community for several years, including at other sites in the Bayview and Hunters Point. As an advocate for neighborhood kids and families, Sara is thrilled to see BGCSF serving more kids in the local community. Watch below to see Sara describe BGCSF’s expanding role in the Bayview and Hunters Point Community.

‍

Kids can choose between a range of programs and activities. As with all BGCSF Clubs, mitigating learning loss and socioemotional wellness are current programmatic priorities designed to support youth with pandemic-related challenges. Tutoring, literacy support, and homework help are focus points and an onsite Behavioral Health Specialist  integrates wellness and check-ins into daily routines. 

Beyond these core areas, youth regularly participate in creative arts, gardening, environmental stewardship and sports. This month, basketball season resumed for the first time since the pandemic across all Clubs and Malcolm X kids have enjoyed intramural league competitions with other Clubs. 

Other fun activities include field trips.  In early October, the Club participated in a field trip as part of the City’s Fleet Week preparations. “Hoops with the Troops,” US Navy sailors and Academy of Art student athletes hosted kids across 8 Clubhouses for a basketball clinic and ship tour.

‍

Holiday events and special occasions are planned throughout the school year. This fall, kids enjoyed participating in a youth-led art gallery celebrating Latinx Heritage Month. Plans for the rest of the year include a Halloween spooky movie night, family game night in November and a Winter Wonderland in December. 

With all the exciting programming and enrichment opportunities already established, at Malcolm X Academy it’s hard to believe that this school-based Club is still in the first year of programming. Sara explains “BGCSF really takes building key relationships with kids and families to heart because we know how important that is for kids to be successful.” The program may just be getting started, but it is supported by an incredibly talented and dedicated staff and award-winning youth development program. This combination has allowed for tremendous growth over a short period. We can’t wait to see what’s next!