Dallas is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, but growth does not benefit every young person equally. Across Dallas County, the scale of need facing youth is significant.
More than 600,000 young people under the age of 18 live in Dallas County. Yet many face barriers that make success more difficult:
- Nearly 1 in 4 children live in poverty, higher than the national average.
- More than 30% of children live in single-parent households, creating additional economic and social challenges.
- Food insecurity affects roughly 1 in 5 children in our region.
- Childhood obesity rates in Texas continue to exceed the national average, putting many youth at greater long-term health risk.
- And while education remains the most reliable path to opportunity, only about one-third of Dallas ISD seniors are considered college-ready
These realities shape the work we do every day at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas (BGCD). They also reinforce why we developed our long-term strategic framework: Northstar 2030.
Our vision is clear: BGCD will become the most trusted and most impactful youth-based, outcomes-driven organization in the state of Texas.
To achieve that vision, we are focused on four key outcomes for the young people we serve.
- Healthy Lifestyles: Our goal is for 80 percent of Club members to be physically active at least five days each week, helping them build habits that support lifelong health.
- Academic Success: Education remains the most powerful pathway to opportunity. We are committed to ensuring that 100 percent of our high school seniors graduate on time while maintaining or improving their GPA.
- Character and Leadership: Through service and leadership opportunities, we aim for 75 percent of members to participate in volunteer service each month.
- Life and Workforce Readiness: By 2030, 62 percent of jobs in Texas will require a postsecondary credential.
Achieving these outcomes requires more than strong programs. It requires a strong organization. Northstar 2030 prioritizes consistent program quality, inspiring Club environments, deeper community partnerships, investment in staff, and long-term financial sustainability.
It’s more than a strategy. It is our commitment to the young people of Dallas—and our promise to help them build Great Futures!
-Brian
