PROGRAMS

Education and Career Development

Individual and group tutoring for academic success.

  • Power Hour: For one hour Monday-Thursday, clubs turn into a study hall to concentrate on finishing homework, studying, or reading.

  • College & Career Bound: A program focused on securing plans of action for junior high and high school students to graduate and be confident of their future after high school.

  • Summer Spectacular: Nine-week affordable summer camp with a variety of activities, field trips, hikes, athletics, and a camping trip for older members.

  • Summer Brain Gain: Summer Brain Gain is comprised of one-week modules with fun, themed activities for elementary school, middle school and high school students that are aligned with common core anchor standards. Supported by Disney, each module takes a project-based learning approach: youth engage in a process of learning through discovery, creative expression, group work and a final project or production. As a result, kids develop higher-order thinking skills through the Summer Brain Gain modules while staying on track for the coming school year.

Leadership Development

Encourage members to become responsible, caring citizens.

  • Youth of the Year: Awards program highlighting overall excellence in academics, athletics, the arts, and character. Youth of the Year is held on the club, regional, state, and national levels with the potential for scholarship opportunities.

  • Keystone Club: this is our main teen program, providing leadership and character development opportunities. Youth participate in activities in three focus areas: academic success, career preparation and community service. With the guidance of an adult advisor, Keystone Clubs aim to have a positive impact on members, the Club and the broader community.

  • Torch Club: similar in structure to Keystone but for pre-teens, preparing them for high school and serv7ing as an important mutual support group.

  • Teen Late Night: Every Friday, clubs host positive and drug-free activities for teens including movie nights, game nights, field trips to local athletic events, and more

2024 Youth of the Year Alex Cruz

We are thrilled to announce Alex Cruz as the Youth of the Year for the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County. Alex has exemplified extraordinary leadership, resilience, and dedication to both their personal growth and the betterment of our community. Through his involvement in our programs, Alex has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, community service, and positive peer influence. Their inspiring journey and remarkable achievements make them a shining example for other youth in our organization. 

Health

Help youth achieve and maintain healthy, active lifestyles both physically and emotionally.

  • Smart Journeys- Healthy Habits: Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning in every part of the Club Experience, the Healthy Habits program emphasizes good nutrition and regular physical activity as means to improve overall well-being.

  • SMART Girls: Through dynamic sessions, participatory activities, field trips, and mentoring opportunities with adult women, Club girls explore their own and societal attitudes and values as they build skills for eating right, staying physically fit, getting good health care and developing positive relationships with peers and adults.

  • Passport to Manhood: engages young boys in discussions and activities that reinforce character, leadership and positive behavior. Each participant receives a “passport” to underscore the notion that he is on a personal journey of maturation and growth. Each of the program’s 14 sessions use interactive activities to focus on a specific aspect of character and manhood.

  • Zero Hunger Meal Program: provides a healthy, balanced meal and after-school snack for all members free of charge.

  • Culinary Arts for Teens: teaches teens the fundamentals of cooking as well as nutrition and affordable, healthy recipes they can make at home

  • Roots to Shoots Gardening: organic gardening program hosted at certain clubs.

SPORTS, FITNESS AND RECREATION

Improve fitness, serve as a positive use of leisure time, reduce stress, and impart social skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

  • Sports Leagues: Basketball, Soccer, and Flag Football for ages 5-15 organized into competitive leagues with practices and games.

  • Triple Play: General group movement exercises, games, and general fitness activities for all ages.

  • Camp Whittier: a 94-acre camp located in the Santa Ynez Mountains that offers a variety of outdoor activities and creative spaces. The camp is home to the Elings Science and Math Camp along with an extensive outdoor education curriculum

Sports, Fitness and Recreation programs help provide fitness, a positive use of leisure time, reduction of stress, appreciation for the environment, and social and interpersonal skills.

Art

Help young people enhance their self-expression and creativity, providing exposure to and developing skills in crafts, and visual, performing, and literary arts.

  • Notes for Notes: partner nonprofit that provides a quality recording studio, instruments, and group instruction for all ages.

  • Ceramics, Pottery and Specialized Art Programs: the Downtown SB site has a donated kiln, pottery wheels, and art materials to teach members the fundamentals of ceramics and other art mediums.

  • Dance and Movement: occasional dance classes hosted at certain clubs.