Stepping Out with Confidence: Helping BGCA Youth Own Their Next Chapter
When youth have the chance to look and feel their best, they step into every new opportunity with confidence. Over the summer, Kohl’s partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to ensure kids across the country have the wardrobe essentials they need to feel prepared, valued, and empowered, whether walking into their first day of school or stepping up as rising leaders.
To help kids start the new school year feeling like their best selves, 165 Clubs across the country received a $1,000 Kohl’s Cares Shopping Grant for students to pick out fresh clothing, shoes, and school supplies.
To some, a new pair of shoes and clothes is normal for back-to-school time. To some children, it is a boost to their self-esteem and confidence. Thanks to Kohl's, our young people feel seen and supported!
— Patrick Stewart, Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri CEO.
I'm on the wrestling team at my school. On match days, my coach likes it when we dress up. I don't have any fancy clothes, but thanks to our trip to Kohl's, I'm so happy that now I do!
—Santiago, 9th Grader, Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club
Getting to go to Kohl’s and shop with my friends for the school year meant so much to me because it helped me get ready for school and showed me that businesses in my community really care about us at the Boys & Girls Club.
—Zechariah, Club Member, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast, IP Center
Beyond helping younger students score fresh fits for the first day of school, Kohl’s extended its shopping grants to the Boys & Girls Club of America’s Youth of the Year program to celebrate the next generation of leaders.
Ten Youth of the Year honorees received a shopping spree at their local Kohl's store to select confidence-building business attire and wardrobe essentials as they prepare for future leadership opportunities, including National Youth of the Year events, speaking engagements, and more.
Building on a Long-Standing Partnership
These shopping grants are part of Kohl’s ongoing commitment to support mental health, recognizing that self-confidence and emotional well-being are foundational to success inside and outside of the classroom.
Since 2017, Kohl’s Cares has given nearly $20 million to the Boys & Girls Club of America in support of youth health and wellness, trauma-informed care training for staff, shopping grants for Club kids, the Youth of the Year program, and more. Funding is made possible by the Kohl’s Cares Goods For Good® merchandise program, which donates 100% of the net profit to nonprofits dedicated to supporting the well-being of families across the country.