With stories about club programs, generous sponsors, and heartwarming success stories, 12News featured numerous BGCAZ segments on October 7. These ran throughout the day, especially during the Arizona Midday segment, and culminated in the evening with the Telethon raffle announcement, in which it was announced that Matthew S. would be driving home a brand new 2026 Toyota Tacoma, thanks to one of BGCAZ’s generous sponsors, Valley Toyota Dealers.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley’s first-of-its-kind study with Waymo was featured on ABC15. In the randomized trial, teen interns who rode autonomous vehicles to their summer internships saw transportation stress drop from 86% to 43%, while stress among teens who got there on their own didn’t change. Across 539 rides, there were zero safety incidents, and families reported less worry about getting their teens to work and home safely.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley proudly announces that Aurora A., a teen leader from the Chandler Compadres Branch, has been named Arizona State Youth of the Year, the highest honor awarded to a Boys & Girls Club member at the state level. Aurora was recognized for her leadership, academic achievement, service, and commitment to a healthy lifestyle, and will now represent Arizona in the regional Youth of the Year competition.
We’re excited to share an important update with our Grant Woods and Mesa Arts Academy families. The Grant Woods Branch will be temporarily closed for the summer as we prepare for a major renovation. This transformation will bring exciting new program areas, updated spaces, and enhanced experiences for our members—aligned with the new Academy of…
The LEGO Robotics Club at the Boys & Girls Club of Yuma Branch has been highlighted for its ability to teach kids discipline and patience. Club membership has increased greatly since opening day, and the Yuma Branch has served the community as both an educational resource and a safe environment for children.
Arizona State University recognizes BGCAZ as a community member who is carrying on the legacy of MLK through servant-leadership. The awards are bestowed by the ASU Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, which selects the winners. In 2026, the committee is reflecting on the continuing arc of progress — both personal and collective. This year’s theme of Picturing Progress invites the Arizona community to consider how they define growth and envision justice in their everyday lives.
