Richardson High School students will soon have a dedicated after‑school hub for college preparation and career exploration. Beginning in November, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas (BGCD) will open a free club on campus, offering five‑day‑a‑week programming designed to help teens discover interests, develop professional skills and plan post‑graduation pathways.
Program focus and leadership
The club centers on BGCD’s Blueprint Richardson pilot, which exposes students to a range of career pathways and practical skills. RHS assistant principal John Williams emphasized that the effort is about more than choosing a job; it is about “helping students discover who they are and see the possibilities for their future.” BGCD CEO Brian Slye noted that teens at the organization’s nearby church site were less engaged, prompting the partnership to bring resources directly onto the high school campus.
What students can expect
During the first months, the program will concentrate on four‑year college preparation, including SAT/ACT tutoring, FAFSA guidance and college‑application support. A monthly speaker series will bring local professionals—from skilled‑trade experts to business leaders in sales and marketing—to share real‑world experiences. Field trips will give hands‑on exposure to trade careers, and 6‑12‑week curricula will allow small cohorts to work directly in a trade or professional setting while receiving a stipend of $1,000‑$1,500.
Williams said the club will remain responsive to student interests: “If you have an interest and we haven’t talked about it yet, let us know and we will find the people to plug you in with and we will find the resources.” The club also aims to connect students with scholarships, mentorships, internships and industry‑based certifications.
Community impact and future growth
BGCD surveyed RHS students to shape the programming around their needs. Slye explained the goal: “We want to see more kids going to college, career or military ready, earning a living wage and helping the community in Dallas and Richardson.” The club will operate from a dedicated space inside RHS and will also use the school’s gym and Career and Technical Education facilities.
Both Slye and Williams highlighted the broader community’s role. Local businesses, churches and civic groups are expected to contribute speakers, mentors and funding. Williams added, “If we don’t accomplish anything else, if they connect with people who believe in them, we have done our job.”
Enrollment and expansion plans
The inaugural cohort targets 60 students, with a goal of reaching 200 participants in the coming years. Funding is still being raised through community partnerships, and BGCD plans to replicate the model at other Dallas clubs and potentially expand to middle schools within the Richardson Independent School District.
“We produce really great results and our programming is nationally tested,” Slye said. “We’ve got the data to show that the investments made are making a real impact to our kids.”
Original reporting: Community Impact — Richardson — read the source article.
