Leadership & Life Skills

Building Confident, Capable, and Community-Minded Youth

At the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dubuque, we believe that every child has the potential to lead. Through our leadership and life skills programs, we provide members with opportunities to develop self-confidence, make informed decisions, and create meaningful connections in their communities.

What We Teach

 

Our programs help members:

  • Support and influence their Club and community through service and leadership opportunities
  • Develop meaningful relationships with peers and mentors
  • Build a positive self-image and gain confidence in their abilities
  • Respect and understand cultural identities—both their own and others
  • Improve decision-making skills in real-life situations
What We Teach
Youth of the Year

Youth of the Year

 

Each year, we recognize outstanding members who exemplify the Club’s core values through our Youth of the Year award.

  • Selected members must meet academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership criteria.
  • Winners receive a special shopping trip with Club staff to purchase school supplies and clothing for the new year, followed by a celebratory lunch.
  • A formal presentation is held at the Club to recognize their achievements

College & Career Readiness

 

We go beyond leadership training by preparing members for their futures.

  • College Campus Tours – We take members to visit Clarke University, Loras College, and the University of Dubuque to introduce them to college life and future opportunities.
  • Career & Trade Exploration – Through partnerships with John Deere, McCoy Group, and other local businesses, members learn about careers in engineering, trades, healthcare, aviation, business, and more.
  • Hands-on Learning – We connect members with professionals for job shadowing, mentorship, and skill-building workshops to explore different career paths.
College & Career Readiness

Developing Leaders for Tomorrow

Through these experiences, our members gain:

  • The confidence to set and achieve goals
  • The ability to make informed choices about their futures
  • A sense of responsibility to their communities

By fostering strong leadership skills, the Boys & Girls Club helps young people prepare for success in school, work, and life.