Life & Workforce Readiness Center
The new state-of-the-art Boys & Girls Club - Life & Workforce Readiness Center for teens and young adults (13 to 24 years) will address the critical need for comprehensive teen and young adult services, including providing paid internships and career development opportunities in a historically marginalized community.
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Our goal is to address the critical need for comprehensive programs for teen and young adult growth, ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society. The new 10,304 square foot Boys & Girls Club - Life & Workforce Readiness Center for teens and young adults (13 to 24 years) will be strategically located next to the Boys & Girls Club—E.L. Jack and Monica Armstrong Youth Center (801 Niles Street, Bakersfield). The location and the design of the Life & Workforce Readiness Center will ensure easy accessibility and provide a dedicated and safe campus to serve at least 500 teenagers and young adults each year and maximize the impact of the Boys & Girls Club’s programming after-school and during out-of-school times.
Kern County’s Youth Development Leader
In schools across Kern County, the hours after classes are dismissed are among the most important hours of the day because this post-school, pre-dinner block of time is when youth are at their most vulnerable for engaging in risky behavior. During the hours of 2-6 pm, Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County (BGCKC) offer local youth what they need and want the most – a safe environment where they can have fun, explore interests, and engage in constructive activities.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County has had a profound impact on young people’s lives since 1966. From its beginnings as a small Bakersfield Club serving less than 50 kids, BGCKC has grown to be one of the three largest Boys & Girls Clubs in the U.S. The Club serves approximately 8,000 kids each day and over 14,000 annually at their flagship location, the E.L. Jack and Monica Armstrong Youth Center in East Bakersfield, two other Clubhouses in West Bakersfield and Lamont, as well as 68 elementary and middle school programs throughout Kern County. The Club also expanded its out-of-school time programming services to include before-school and school breaks (fall, winter, spring, and summer) for school-age children (4 to 17 years of age). About 94% of the children and youth served in 2023 qualified for free or reduced-price meals at their schools. During school breaks BGCKC is Kern County’s largest homeless youth service provider as well, offering a critical safe space for the most vulnerable in our community.
Key to this growth has been BGCKC’s unwavering commitment to the youth in our community and their ever-evolving needs and challenges. At each turn, BGCKC has remained relevant by adapting programs and approaches to respond to challenges head-on and meet kids “where they are.” Boys & Girls Club programs support the whole child – focusing on academic success, healthy living, and development of strong character. By offering quality, evidence-based programs the Club ensures its members are prepared to launch into successful adulthood despite barriers they may face at home.
Among elected leaders, school officials, and parents, BGCKC is recognized as a leading youth development organization in Kern County. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County, known for its sound financial management and senior leadership, has been recognized nationally by Boys & Girls Clubs of America multiple times for their creativity, unwavering commitment, and stellar governance.
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Expanding Needs but Limited Opportunities The rapidly growing city of Bakersfield in California’s southern Central Valley is a mix of urban areas blending into more pastoral regions. Bakersfield struggles with challenges common to many cities of its size – poverty, educational barriers, and crime. Unfortunately, the young residents of the city suffer disproportionate consequences related to these issues. While the overall child poverty rate in California is about 14%, by contrast
the rate is 23% in Bakersfield. At nearly 20%, the youth unemployment rate in Bakersfield is nearly double that of the rest of the state. At the same time, the primary industries in and around Bakersfield, such as oil production and agriculture along with supporting industries including natural gas and other energy extraction, mining, petroleum refining, distribution, and food processing, struggle to find a pipeline of quality talent to fill available jobs.
Further, Bakersfield lacks adequate positive recreational and social outlets for youth—teens in particular. Most area recreation centers are fee-based and out of reach for families struggling to make ends meet, which means
many teens are on their own for socialization and entertainment during out-of-school hours. Without constructive outlets and the guidance of supportive adults, their choices may lead to delinquency, crime, drug and alcohol use or unintended pregnancy. The cost to society to mitigate these choices is staggering. By contrast, the return on investment to prevent such high-risk behavior is clear.
Bakersfield is a community where the need for after school programs— especially teen programs—is essential. Families are struggling to meet basic needs while their kids are being left behind academically. There is a lack of positive alternatives where kids can spend their free time, receive academic support, and build skills.
Additionally, many teens lack opportunities for genuine self-expression and exploration. Traditional school systems often emphasize standardized testing and a required curriculum, leaving little room for creative, hands-on learning or the development of individual passions. A more personalized approach to learning, where students can explore their interests and strengths, is often absent.
Social skills and real-world problem-solving are also underdeveloped in typical school programming. As teenagers increasingly live in a digital world, face-to-face interaction and conflict resolution skills can be lacking. The community needs more opportunities for teens to engage in meaningful, collaborative projects and authentic relationships, preparing them for life beyond the classroom.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County is uniquely positioned to address these needs, to bring hope and opportunity to its youth and to create a secure economic future for the entire community.
Bakersfield Teens: Workforce of the Future Located at 801 Niles Street in Bakersfield, the E.L. Jack and Monica Armstrong Youth Center regularly serves up to 100 youth each day during the school year and that number doubles in the summer – and this is just a fraction of those in need in the Bakersfield area. Most current Club members are elementary school aged children with a handful of middle and high school aged youth.
Teen participation in Club activities has remained relatively low because the location simply does not have the space to effectively accommodate teens without sacrificing the experiences of younger members – let alone provide the kind of high-impact programs needed to influence the directions of their lives.When kids reach their teenage years, they no longer want or need the kind of highly structured activities that dominate traditional afterschool programs. In surveys conducted nationwide, teenaged youth report these priority needs:
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Physical and Emotional Safety
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Job Readiness and Career Exploration
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Academic Support and Mentorship
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High-Risk Behavior Prevention
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Leadership and Community Engagement
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Special Interest Opportunities (Sports, Arts, etc.)
Specifically, teens often lack adequate exposure to crucial life skills like financial management, basic cooking, effective time management, mental health awareness, career exploration, practical problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, which are not always comprehensively taught in traditional high school curriculums, leaving them unprepared for the realities of adulthood.
Here are some areas in which teens often feel underprepared upon graduation:
•Financial literacy: Budgeting, understanding credit, investing, managing debt.
•Domestic skills: Cooking basic meals, laundry, home maintenance.
•Career development: In-depth career exploration, resume writing, interview skills, networking.
•Mental health education: Coping mechanisms, stress management, identifying mental health issues
•Critical thinking and problem-solving: Analyzing information, evaluating sources, creative solutions
•Digital literacy: Responsible online behavior, cybersecurity awareness, media literacy
•Personal responsibility: Time management, self-discipline, goal setting
A Place for Teens: Workforce Readiness Center
Given the increasing need for local teens to have a pathway to economic mobility, the BGCKC is committed to expanding its current workforce readiness efforts, but the limitations of the current facility stand in the way. To address this problem, BGCKC has thoughtfully invested in land adjacent to the current club in recent years and is
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now considering further expansion to its campus by building a new, 10,000 square foot facility to welcome and serve teen members.
In 2013, BGCKC, with support from PG&E, launched the Workforce Readiness/Summer Jobs Program. BGCKC’s Workforce Readiness/Summer Jobs Program provides young people across Bakersfield with the critical opportunity to envision their future. Through this program almost 400 high school teens have successfully completed their first job, received their first paycheck, opened their first bank account, and learned the value of a dollar. The skill building, connections, and memories the interns receive each summer are invaluable.
The Workforce Readiness/Summer Jobs Program is implemented at the E.L. Jack and Monica Armstrong Youth Center in East Bakersfield, with high school students from low-income and disadvantaged circumstances participating. Many interns during the summer mention that their paychecks will be used to help support their families and buy groceries, school supplies, clothes, etc. All Summer Job Program interns are employed by the BGCKC and placed with local employers during the summer with weekly monitoring by BGCKC. Participating employers provide interns with mentorship and hands-on experience in various occupations. Teens work at their intern site Monday through Thursday for four hours per day and participate in professional development on Friday for four hours at the Club.
The new facility would allow for significant expansion and refinement of this program, as it is currently housed in the gymnasium of the Club and competes for space and resources with BGCKC’s other youth programming. A new teen center would include dedicated classroom and mentoring spaces, allowing for STEM exploration, life skills development, and signature programming like “Road Code” (driving safety course); as well as teen-appropriate social-recreation spaces teens would safely bond and socialize into the late evening hours.
The Life & Workforce Readiness Center will include two training spaces, break room, and office space for young adults and the Club’s Youth Development Professionals/Training Staff.
By providing comprehensive teen focused programming as well as life and workforce readiness training as a pathway to economic mobility for teens and young adults, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County will:
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1. Provide Life Skills Training: Offer workshops and courses on essential life skills such as financial literacy, communication, decision-making, time management, and conflict resolution. These skills are crucial for teenagers and young adults as they transition into adulthood and navigate the challenges of everyday life.
2. Deliver Workforce Readiness Programs: Develop and implement training programs focused on career exploration, resume writing, job interviewing skills, workplace etiquette, and professional development, including on-the-job training (paid internships with local employers). Our goal is to prepare teens and young adults for successful entry into the workforce and equip them with the tools to thrive in various industries.
3. Foster Personal Growth: Offer mentorship programs, counseling services, and leadership development opportunities to help teenagers and young adults build confidence, resilience, and self-esteem. By nurturing personal growth, we aim to empower young individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
4. Promote Community Engagement: Facilitate community service projects, volunteer opportunities, and civic engagement initiatives to instill a sense of social responsibility and promote positive contributions to the community. Encouraging teenager and young adult involvement in community activities fosters a strong sense of belonging and connection.
5. Repurposing currently vacant Monterey Street parcels: The Life & Workforce Readiness Center project will contribute to revitalizing the community and transforming underutilized or blighted areas into valuable assets that benefit local residents, especially teens and young adults. The construction plan not only creates a modern and purpose-built facility for youth development but also addresses broader community development goals by enhancing the neighborhood’s aesthetics, functionality, and overall quality of life.
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6. Thoughtful design, efficient land use, and community-focused programming: The Life & Workforce Readiness Center becomes a catalyst for positive change, promoting social inclusion,
educational opportunities, and economic vitality in
the area. The center’s construction plan demonstrates a commitment to addressing community needs, fostering growth, and creating a more vibrant and resilient community for generations to come.
Creating a culture of opportunity for disadvantaged youth, teens and young adults is vital for their success and the prosperity of Bakersfield. Young people need a strong foundation to thrive, which includes safe environments and reliable meals. But it doesn’t stop there. Providing them with opportunities to grow and develop as individuals is equally important. This can be achieved through access to quality education, mentorship programs, afterschool programs and exposure to diverse experiences.
By investing in our youth, we’re not just helping them succeed; we’re also investing in the future of our society. When young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential, they become active contributors to their communities and drive innovation and progress.
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The expanded workforce readiness programming will lead to positive economic outcomes by increasing employability, reducing unemployment, raising earning potential, supporting local businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, promoting diversity and inclusion, and contributing to the
community’s long-term economic growth and prosperity. The rapidly evolving job market risks leaving many young people behind, especially without adequate life skills, workforce readiness training, on-the-job experience, and mentorship. This situation exacerbates the already high youth unemployment rate, further fueled by the challenges brought about by the pandemic.
Since 2013, the Kern High School District has been actively supporting the Club’s Workforce Readiness/Summer Jobs Program. Local high schools have been instrumental in recruiting their students to participate in this program, fostering valuable opportunities for skill development and employment readiness. Over the years, several businesses, elected officials, and non-profit organizations have stepped up to serve as intern sites, providing teens with valuable opportunities for their first job experience, career mentorship, and earning their first paycheck. Program funders have included PG&E, Bank of America, Taco Bell Foundation, No Kid Hungry, The Women’s and Girls’ Fund, and U.S. Bank.
This expansion would also benefit younger members of BGCKC, allowing for additional space in the E.L. Jack and Monica Armstrong Youth Center to be devoted to younger children and those with exceptional needs who seek “quiet time” away from the busy chaos of Club daily activities. The Club currently struggles to accommodate such needs because space is at such a premium. Staff would benefit as well because the new facility would allow for more of the Club’s youth development professionals to be centralized and housed in one location – enhancing training opportunities, increasing productivity.
A Neighborhood Investment
Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County’s flagship Club in East Bakersfield is in an area that is considered economically disadvantaged with a high crime rate. The Club is located exactly where it should be to best serve neighborhood youth, it’s near a major bus line, and well known in the community. However, over the years the Club itself has experienced issues with crime, but BGCKC has invested in campus security to keep the children and staff safe. Additionally, with the help of a generous partner, BGCKC took advantage of an opportunity to purchase two adjacent properties on the opposite side of the common alley and took steps to discourage illicit activities. The proposed project would expand BGCKC’s footprint on the block, increasing safety; additionally, the City of Bakersfield has expressed interest in permanently closing the alley if the block is developed in this way.
The Life & Workforce Readiness Center for Teens and Young Adults project consists of two phases: (1) site preparation/site development, followed by (2) building construction.
Phase 1: Site Preparation/Site Development for the (808, 812, 814, 820, and 828) Monterey Street properties includes demolition, earthwork, utilities, paving/sidewalks, two parking lots, urban lighting, landscaping/irrigation, EV charging stations, closing the alley, and adding wrought iron fencing/gates to secure and enclose the Boys & Girls Club campus while enhancing the Niles/Monterey Prosperity Neighborhood.
The enhancements will also accommodate the increase in teens and young adults accessing the Club’s programming during regular hours or after hour programming (at the Boys & Girls Club – E.L. Jack and Monica Armstrong Youth Center) prior to the new Center being completed.
The time young people move from youth to adulthood—roughly ages 13 to 24—are full of immense possibilities and potential. This is the second most critical developmental period in young people’s lives—after early childhood—and the time when they get the education, skills, life experiences, and support they need to take on increasing responsibility, form their identities, and learn how to succeed on their own. This transition requires a stable launching pad formed by support from their families and caring adults in their communities, stable access to resources to meet their basic needs, and opportunities to access quality education and employment. With this stable foundation, teens and young adults can thrive and successfully transition to becoming healthy, productive adults contributing to their communities. As a result, investing in young people during this critical period can have lasting effects on their lives and result in significant long-term benefits for society.
The main beneficiaries would foremost be the roughly 500 local teens (13 to 17 years) and young adults (18 to 24 years) from at-risk, disadvantaged, and low-income circumstances who would participate in the programming at the Boys & Girls Club – Teen Center/Life & Workforce Readiness Center. Overall, the new Center, with its focus on life skills training, workforce readiness, personal growth opportunities, case management, and community engagement, would make a profound impact on the lives of teens and young adults, their families, and local businesses.
The workforce readiness programming will lead to positive economic outcomes by increasing employability, reducing unemployment, raising earning potential, supporting local businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, promoting diversity and inclusion, and contributing to long-term economic growth and prosperity within the community.
The Boys & Girls Club – Life & Workforce Readiness Center to be located on Monterey Street (adjacent to the Boys & Girls Club – E.L. Jack and Monica Armstrong Youth Center) will profoundly impact the teens and young adults of East Bakersfield and the community as a whole.
To keep teens and young adults separate while using the same building, the programming and site plan includes these strategies:
1. Designated Areas within the building for each age group to keep activities and interactions separate.
2. Staggered Schedules: Programming will be on different schedules for teens and young adults. This will reduce overlap and manage foot traffic.
3. Controlled Access Points: ID systems, staff checkpoints, or access cards will be used to restrict entry to certain areas based on age group.
4. Separate Amenities: Dedicated restrooms and recreation/lounges and meal/snack areas for each group will limit the need for crossing into each other’s spaces.
will have space for Teen/Tech Center/Workforce Readiness/Career Development, Recreation Space/Game Room, and Teen IDD/Quiet/Contemplation Space/Tech Room with folding doors to allow for flexibility for sessions/space use.
Rising to the Challenge
Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County has the exciting opportunity to meet long unmet needs of teens and young adults in the community and position itself for future growth. With this goal in mind, the BGCKC Board of Directors is actively moving forward with a capital campaign to raise approximately $8.5 million to construct a new Life & Worksforce Readiness teen center.
Upon completion, the new teen center will be sustained through ongoing support, resources, and community engagement. By focusing on youth leadership and empowerment, BGCKC can ensure the center remains relevant and impactful. Through partnerships with local businesses, schools, and volunteers, the center can secure funding and maintain programming. By encouraging teens to take an active role in decision-making and upkeep, the center fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. Long-term sustainability is achieved by creating strong connections, adapting to the needs of youth, and continuously promoting a safe, supportive environment for growth.
Proposed timeline and budget for this project is detailed below:
Timeline:
Architecture & Planning ............................................................................ Beginning Spring 2024 throughout 2025
Sitework / Securing Private & Government Funding (Quiet Phase) ....................................................... 2025 – 2028
Construction / Public Funding Phase ...................................................................................................... 2026 – 2028
Grand Opening ............................................................................................................................................. Fall 2028
Budget Breakdown:
Architecture/Engineering/Permitting & Fees ................. $2,500,000
Sitework / Construction .................................................. $5,500,000
Furnishings/Equipment/Technology ................................. $400,000
Soft Costs ............................................................................ $100,000
Total ................................................................................ $8,500,000
Funding Breakdown:
Government Funding & Grants ....................................... $3,500,000
Private & Public ............................................................... $5,000,000
Total ................................................................................ $8,500,000
