Measure of Impact: ULBGC First-Ever Alumni Study
What real impact do the Boys & Girls Clubs have on the lives of former members?
To address this question, ULBGC commissioned its first-ever survey of Club alumni. This local study was based on Saving Lives: Measuring the Impact of Boys & Girls Clubs.
The study's findings are extremely positive whether alumni were members 5 years or 50 years ago. Considering the drastic changes in Chicago city neighborhoods since the late 1950s, it is encouraging to note that Club satisfaction remained high regardless of the time period in which study participants were members.
"The Club was one of the best things available in my community" according to:- 91 percent of alumni who were members 1928-1962
- 92 percent of alumni who were members 1963-1985
- 85 percent of alumni who were members 1986-2001
85 percent of ULBGC alumni felt that Club staff helped them learn leadership skills and build self-confidence.
More than 93 percent of the study's participants took the time to respond to an essay question asking, "What did the Club mean to you?"
Some selected responses:- "I am where I am in life today, in a large part, due to the Club."
- "The Club was an extension of my home. ... The Club furnished programs and activities that I would never have had anywhere else."
- "The Club meant everything to me. I was the Club; the Club was me—all day everyday."
ULBGC is always interested in reconnecting with former members. Visit our Web site's alumni section for more information."