Collaboration with Boys & Girls Club supports children’s education in Virginia
While Virginia achieved the highest high school graduation rate in the country in 2022, there remained 8,685 students in grades 7 to 12 who dropped out.1,2 Based on this statistic, there is a current need for community support to ensure that young people stay engaged in their education. Recognizing this, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Virginia promotes children’s education through a member benefit that waives registration fees for any Boys & Girls Club in the state.
Role of Boys & Girls Clubs in supporting youth
Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a nonprofit organization that provides educational services to young people ages 6 to 18, helping them reach their full potential.3 Through safe spaces to learn and grow, the organization delivers a wide range of programs that encourage character development, academic success and healthy lifestyles. These educational programs include sports and recreation, education, arts, health and wellness, workforce readiness and character and leadership development.
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Virginia has engaged with Boys & Girls Clubs across the state for 13 years, supporting frontline staff and programming. Recently, UnitedHealthcare re-launched its member benefit that waives registration fees, making it easier for children to access the clubs’ valuable programs. Aligned with continual support, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Virginia connected with Nadia Peterson, regional senior director of Northern Virginia Clubs, and donated $4K to support the summer extravaganza event. This event, held at the largest clubs in the state, gathers children from across Virginia to celebrate the end of summer with games, activities and fun. As the primary sponsor, UnitedHealthcare not only contributed to the event’s success but also had the opportunity to share information about member benefits with over 500 families.
"We are incredibly grateful for UnitedHealthcare’s ongoing support,” said Peterson. “Their partnership has made it possible for us to provide fun, enriching activities. Over the years, UnitedHealthcare has been a trusted ally in helping us promote healthier lifestyles and brighter futures for the youth in our community. We truly value their commitment to making a lasting impact on the lives of our kids."
National impact of Boys & Girls Clubs
On a national level, Boys & Girls Clubs serve 3.6 million children annually, making a profound impact on their futures. Data shows that 52% of 12th-grade club members across the U.S. express interest in STEM careers, compared to 27% of 12th graders nationwide.4 Additionally, 97% of club teens expect to graduate from high school and 76% of low-income club members aged 12 to 18 who regularly attend the club report earning mostly As and Bs, compared to 67% of their peers nationally. These statistics highlight the effectiveness of the Boys & Girls Club programs in fostering academic success and building brighter futures for young people.
Collaboration for healthier, stronger communities
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Virginia is committed to improving health outcomes for children by supporting organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs to help young people reach their full potential. By re-launching the registration fee waiver benefit, UnitedHealthcare is expanding access to educational and developmental opportunities for children, while also providing parents with additional support. Together, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Virginia and Boys & Girls Clubs are making a positive, lasting impact on the lives of children and their families across Virginia.
