When provided with the right resources—like a safe environment to learn, opportunities to develop life skills, and strong mentors to guide them—young people have the potential to succeed in remarkable ways. This is something that Jennifer Bateman, Senior Vice President of Youth Development at Boys & Girls Clubs of America, has witnessed firsthand over her 25-year career in the youth development field. Through her work, she’s come to understand just how crucial it is for young people to have access to the right support—and just how transformative that support can be. 

“My first job as an education director transformed my whole perspective on access, opportunity, privilege, and hope,” she says. “I developed a deeper understanding of what young people are capable of when they have positive relationships, environments, and experiences.” This realization sparked a curiosity about what youth development truly looks like—and what young people deserve. 

 As the head of Boys & Girls Clubs’ national youth impact strategy for the last decade, much of her role centers on strengthening Club impact and the quality of their programming. She’s not only launched innovative, research-backed initiatives, but also helped overhaul nearly 25 existing programs to support social and emotional development, include career education, and ensure cultural relevance. 

Here, she shares more about the work she’s been doing at Boys & Girls Clubs and what drives her commitment to equipping young people with the support and resources they need to thrive. 

What’s the most rewarding takeaway from working with young people, and how has it shaped your commitment to this field?

I’ve always felt that I’ve learned and gained more from the youth I’ve worked with than I could have ever given in return. This has been a driving force behind my commitment to this work.Boys & Girls Clubs have profoundly changed my worldview—I'm so privileged to live with such a deep sense of purpose and passion. As such, I’m relentlessly driven to deliver the programs and support that really make a difference for young people.

Tell us about some of the most impactful programs you’ve helped launch.

I’m really proud of our Journeys: Paths to Adulthood program, which helps youth ages 10-14 navigate adolescence, develop healthy attitudes, and learn about topics like identity development and emotional wellness. They’re provided with a safe, supportive environment where they can build a sense of purpose, set personal goals, and receive guidance from trusted adults. 

I’m also proud of our work launching national trauma-informed and mental health initiatives across 700+ Clubs. Positive mental health is core to all youth outcome areas, and we’re playing a huge role in providing proactive, responsive programming and practices to support this. 

Any new programs you’re particularly excited about?

Our CareerLaunch program, which helps prepare teens for the workforce through career exploration activities, job search training, and opportunities like mentorship, job shadowing, and internships. They’re able to assess their skills and interests and gain valuable insights that set them up for future success.

What’s the biggest obstacle you face in this line of work?  

Ensuring consistent funding and resources that align with Club needs. It can be challenging to secure the funds forstaffing, operations,and professional development—efforts that are critical to ensuring that youth have consistently great experiences.

What keeps you inspired?

The incredible resilience and boundless potential of the young people we serve. Witnessing them develop, overcome challenges, and achieve their aspirations is profoundly motivating and reaffirms the importance of our work.Our staff are also a constant source of inspiration—their unwavering passion and commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of our youth fuels my drive to keep pushing forward and striving for excellence.

From now through the end of March, we’ll be supporting Boy & Girls Clubs of America by donating a portion of all online orders and hosting an array of in-store give-back events. Learn more here.