Teen Club members present Capstone Projects
BGCMT created Industry Clubs to give youth in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at careers because “it’s hard to be what you can’t see.” Industry Clubs is an “exposure-ship” program that exposes teens to career possibilities and industries they may not otherwise consider. The experience includes shadowing industry professionals, having on-site experiences, and then developing a capstone project based off learnings over the 5- to 8-week program. A key outcome of this program is to change mindsets with preconceived beliefs about specific industries based on a lack of exposure, opening teens up to possible careers while also developing workforce skills.
Teens participating in the JE Dunn Construction Club will tour a construction site to see real life examples of the lessons they’ve learned over the past 5-weeks. Additionally, walls the youth built from blueprints – framing, drywalling, sanding, puttying, and painting – will be on display.
Each summer, BGCMT offers teens a space of their own at The Club. Teen programming includes ACT prep, career exploration (including Industry Clubs), college tours, and more. Plans for future Industry Clubs include sports entertainment, marketing, retail, and transportation. Anyone interested in partnering in a particular industry is encouraged to contact Jennifer Wheeler Buhrman, chief development officer, at jwheeler@bgcmt.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee (BGCMT)
For more than 119 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee (BGCMT) has enabled all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Annually, more than 4,700 youth are served at thirteen Middle Tennessee Boys & Girls Clubs, including our digital Club – Club NEXT, and through community outreach initiatives. Clubs are located in Davidson & Williamson counties.
Boys & Girls Clubs provides a safe place, professional caring staff, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. BGCMT is striving towards their DUB100BY2026 vision, which will double the youth served to 10,000, and have 100% of the youth ready for their great future.
To learn more, please visit www.bgcmt.org or follow us at @BGCMidTN on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Hashtags include #GreatFutures, #GreatFuturesStartHere, and #WhateverItTakes.