Boys & Girls Clubs receives prestigious award

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington County (BGCHC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Roxanne Spillett Honor Award for Workforce Readiness from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). This national recognition highlights BGCHC’s outstanding efforts to prepare youth for successful futures through innovative career readiness programming.

The Workforce Readiness Award celebrates programs that help young people build social-emotional skills essential for the workplace, while also offering exposure to a range of career opportunities and hands-on learning experiences. BGCHC’s journey to the award included a rigorous, two-round competition – first securing a win at the 2024 BGCA Midwest Leadership Conference, followed by a second-round victory through votes cast by Club CEOs and staff across the Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide that was announced at the 2025 National Conference in San Diego, California in May.

“We are incredibly honored to receive the Roxanne Spillett Honor Award,” said Ashley B. Allen, CEO of BGCHC. “This recognition speaks volumes about the dedication of our staff and community partners to empowering youth with the tools they need for lifelong success.”

BGCHC offers several dynamic programs that guide teens through career exploration and skill development:

• Tuesdays with Professionals (Ages 13-17): Local employers visit the Club weekly to provide hands-on instruction and share insights into their industries.
• Career Exploration with Transfr VR (Ages 13-17): Using virtual reality headsets, teens explore diverse career paths and gain practical understanding of various trades and professions every Thursday.
• Up Next Members, Kids Café, and Tutoring Program (Ages 13-17): Teens gain real-world experience through working in the Club kitchen, mentoring younger members, and assisting with literacy and math tutoring.
• Next Steps Program (Ages 17-21): Supporting Club alumni post-graduation, this virtual program provides consistent check-ins, mentorship, and resources for youth transitioning to college or the workforce.

These initiatives demonstrate BGCHC’s commitment to equipping young people with the confidence, skills, and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing job market.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington County and their Workforce Readiness programs, please contact Desiree Fredrick at desiree@bgchuntington.com.