OF SAN FRANCISCO
Academic Success
Academic Needs of Youth in the City
• From 2018 – 2022, Kindergarten readiness has continued to decline. We also continue to see stark disparities in readiness between racial/ethnic groups. Once students start 3rd grade, existing disparities are likely to persist and continue through high school.
Meeting the State Standards
• In 2024, 46% of SFUSD students did not meet the state standard in English, and 54% did not meet the state standard in Math.
• When breaking the numbers down by students experiencing economic disadvantages, the scores are significantly lower: 58% did not meet the state standard in English, and 65% did not meet the state standard in Math.
BGCSF is proud to provide academic support that directly addresses this need. Our education programs complement and reinforce what youth learn during the school day while creating experiences that invite them to fall in love with learning.
Academic Programs
3,047
youth participated in academic programming
1,963
no cost professional tutoring sessions were provided to 420 youth
Club Scholars Program
To address students' academic needs following the pandemic, BGCSF developed the “Club Scholars” program, which provides individualized academic coaching and case management for youth who need extra support. As part of the program, Education Liaisons ensure that Clubs, schools, and families are all connecting about the academic needs that kids are presenting, and they also connect members with tailored academic resources.
683
youth provided with individualized support
7 full-time Education Liaisons
82%
of youth reported more confidence in school because of the Club’s academic programs
92%
of youth reported Club staff helped them learn new things
ACADEMIC
College Prep & College Success
Research shows that persistence through the first year of college increases students’ likelihood of graduation. At San Francisco State University, the graduation rate is 67%. However, for students who return after their first year, the graduation rate is 85%.
BGCSF is addressing the needs of college students by increasing our focus on college success. In addition to our popular College Prep program, we introduced a four-year College Success Program designed to provide critical support to youth when they need it most. We provide Club alumni transitioning to community and state colleges with financial assistance, individualized academic mentoring, and socioemotional resources to help them succeed in college and beyond.
College Prep
100%
73 of 73 high school seniors who participated in College Prep are college bound
76 middle and high school members participated in Club-organized college tours
College Success Program
100%
of youth who participated in the program said it provides them with the academic support needed to be successful in college
The best aspect of the [College Success Program] is being able to have the extra support not available on a large campus. Having the check-ins makes me feel valued as a student as I am able to reflect on my progress.”
KRISABELLE ZHAO , second year college student and 11-year Excelsior Clubhouse member
100% of participants in year one of the program returned for year two
From help with registering for classes, scheduling, and organization, to providing mentorship and a community network of peers who are navigating the same challenges, our College Success Program meets young people right where they are at this stage in their lives. I am thrilled to be able to support the practical life skills—as well as the academic and socioemotional needs of our seniors and young alumni—as they make a successful transition to college.”
ERIN JONES , Manager of College Success
