Strong behavior management creates safe, consistent, and positive environments for all members. In this session, we will ground staff in BGCP’s Behavior Management Plan and highlight how its key components will show up across trainings throughout the week. We will focus on introducing our core philosophies and creating space for staff to reflect on where they feel most aligned and where they may have room to grow. Participants will leave with a shared foundation and a clearer mindset to carry into deeper skill-building sessions.
This session introduces the Program Quality Assessment (PQA) as a foundational tool for strengthening program quality. Participants will explore what the PQA is, why BGCP uses it, and how it supports continuous improvement across sites. We will unpack the building blocks of the PQA, examine how it is used in coaching and planning, and build a shared understanding of what the rubric is truly measuring. By the end of the session, participants will feel more confident reading the rubric, interpreting expectations, and using PQA language to reflect on and improve practice.
A clear understanding of the office clerk role helps strengthen prioritization, inspire proactiveness, and build decision-making confidence. In this interactive session, participants will be introduced to a role framework to break down core responsibilities across safety, office management, and stakeholder communication, while reflecting on the competencies—communication, critical thinking, and project management—that drive success. Participants will develop a personal purpose statement and leave with a more precise, actionable understanding of how their role directly supports site success and advances BGCP’s mission.
With an expanding program and expanding team along with elevation of post-secondary completion and career attainment, we want to solidify the standard of excellence for our one on one advising sessions. This session we will go over how we're going to elevate and continue to align our individual advising throughout the year.
Strong systems and tools enable staff to deliver high-quality programming and drive continuous improvement. In this session, high school programming staff will deeply engage with updates to coaching and observation practices, including the program quality scorecard and revised skills trajectory. The focus will be on internalizing and integrating these new tools, moving beyond awareness to using them consistently and intentionally to make sense of feedback and guide growth. Staff will leave with greater confidence, a clear understanding of how these tools connect, and actionable next steps for applying them to strengthen their practice.
Strong Excel skills help office clerks stay organized, manage data accurately, and protect information integrity in their day-to-day work. In this hands-on session, participants will practice foundational Excel skills and basic functions while applying them to real tasks and scenarios they encounter in the normal duties of their role. The focus will be on the common challenge of organizing messy data, avoiding errors, and using spreadsheets efficiently under time constraints. Participants will leave with a practical one-page job aid and the confidence to use Excel as a reliable tool for maintaining clean, accurate and secure data.
This session explores Restorative Practices: Community Circles as a powerful strategy for building strong, inclusive program culture. Participants will learn the purpose and framework of community circles grounded in the work of the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP). The session will clarify how circles foster belonging, voice, and shared responsibility, and support proactive relationship-building. Participants will also walk away with a ready-to-use list of community circles specifically designed for Welcome Week, making it easy to put the framework into action from day one.
Strong safety systems are essential to maintaining site security and ensuring every member, volunteer, and visitor is consistently accounted for. In this session, participants will revisit key BGCP safety policies and practice applying core procedures—such as managing the visitor log and maintaining accurate member rosters—using a standardized front desk checklist. The focus will be on the real challenge of staying accurate and compliant during fast-paced, unpredictable moments, where strong routines and effective systems are critical to ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
This session takes a deep dive into the essential components and structure of effective club lessons. Participants will explore how to design cohesive club experiences by planning meaningful four-week topics that build skills, deepen engagement, and sustain youth interest over time. The session emphasizes intentional and thoughtful intellectual preparatiom. Participants will also examine how key PQA components are embedded within strong club lessons, ensuring alignment with quality indicators and fostering enriching, supportive learning environments.
This session introduces youth program leaders to the Traveling Artist curriculum and provides the tools needed for successful implementation. Participants will explore the curriculum's goals, lesson structure, and key learning outcomes while gaining practical strategies for preparing materials, facilitating activities, and creating engaging learning experiences for youth. This session will build confidence in lesson delivery and equip staff with the knowledge and resources needed to effectively execute the curriculum with fidelity and creativity.
This session introduces youth program leaders to the RAFT curriculum and its project-based approach to learning. Participants will explore how hands-on, inquiry-driven activities foster creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills among youth. This session will provide practical guidance on preparing materials, facilitating engaging projects, and creating meaningful learning experiences that encourage exploration and discovery. Attendees will leave with the tools, strategies, and confidence needed to successfully implement RAFT lessons and support youth in becoming active, curious learners.
This session supports both Site Leaders and Youth Program Leaders in strengthening Middle School Power Hour through clear structures, aligned expectations, and effective use of CASTLE skills. Participants will unpack the key components of a high-quality Power Hour, clarify desired student outcomes, and explore best practices for creating focused, efficient environments that support assignment completion. Through practical strategies and shared leader moves, staff will build a common approach to leveraging CASTLE skills to promote student independence, engagement, and strong academic habits.
This session focuses on the MindWorks and enrichment curriculum, guiding participants through a deep dive into its structure, goals, and instructional design. Participants will unpack the curriculum to understand intended outcomes and key learning components, then practice how to efficiently intellectually plan for a lesson. The session emphasizes turning strong planning into effective execution, with strategies for delivering engaging, high-quality MindWorks lessons that captivate youth and promote meaningful learning. Participants will leave with greater confidence in both planning and facilitating enrichment experiences that are intentional, dynamic, and impactful.
This session focuses on the MindWorks and enrichment curriculum, guiding participants through a deep dive into its structure, goals, and instructional design. Participants will unpack the curriculum to understand intended outcomes and key learning components, then practice how to efficiently intellectually plan for a lesson. The session emphasizes turning strong planning into effective execution, with strategies for delivering engaging, high-quality MindWorks lessons that captivate youth and promote meaningful learning. Participants will leave with greater confidence in both planning and facilitating enrichment experiences that are intentional, dynamic, and impactful.
This session explores the purpose of BGCP’s Power Hour, with a specific focus on the what and why behind academic tutoring blocks. Participants will gain clarity on how Power Hour supports youth academic growth and reinforces school-day learning. The session will also introduce the centers-based structure used during Power Hour and provide guidance on how to effectively execute a clear, engaging lesson plan within this model. Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of how intentional planning and structured facilitation create productive, supportive academic environments for all learners.
100% engagement ensures every student is actively focused and learning. In this practice-based session, participants will build and rehearse core classroom management moves, including clear “what to do” directions, strong radar to track participation, and least invasive interventions to redirect behavior. The session will tackle real classroom challenges, such as responding in the moment when students disengage while maintaining flow and consistency. Participants will leave with practical tools, stronger real-time decision-making, and the language needed to drive full engagement.
In Post-Secondary Future Grads, one of our main program components and goals is post-secondary completion. With about a third of our students starting ther journeys at CCCs, all staff must have a clear understanding of how we will support students through the transfer process. Additionally, we have an estimated fifth of our students who are on track to finish their post-secondary journeys by obtainign their degrees or their certificates. This session will introduce the project plans to support students that will be applying to transfer or who will be completing their post-secondary journeys this year.
Strong operational systems empower office clerks to take ownership of site readiness, reduce inefficiencies, and proactively address gaps before they impact staff or members. In this session, participants will practice implementing core systems—such as auditing emergency folders and program binders, managing shared technology, and maintaining first aid supplies—using structured routines and checklists. The focus will be on the real challenge of keeping systems consistent and up to date amid competing priorities and busy daily operations. Participants will leave with practical tools and a clear approach to independently building, adapting, and strengthening systems that keep site operations running smoothly and reliably.
This professional learning session focused on how Youth Program Leaders can intentionally show up during unstructured student time to build relationships, increase engagement, and strengthen program culture. While Chill Time gives youth space to relax, socialize, play games, and connect with peers, it is not “down time” for staff. Grounded in relationship-centered practices and the IIRP framework’s approach of working with youth, this session will explore how YPLs can use informal interactions to foster belonging, trust, and positive community. Participants will learn strategies for checking in with students, participating authentically in activities, facilitating inclusive engagement opportunities such as tournaments or leagues, and creating environments where all youth feel welcomed, connected, and seen.
From the Page to the Pitch: Bringing Soccer Curriculum to Life is a hands‑on summer training experience where staff transform the Soccer for Success curriculum into strong, on‑field coaching skills. Through active learning, drills, and leadership moments, staff build the confidence and competence to deliver high‑quality programming this fall and step onto the field ready to crush it.
Effective tutoring programs are built on two things: a clear curriculum and a consistent way to track whether it's making a difference. In this session, participants will get a comprehensive look at the K-5 academic tutoring program, including the curriculum focus areas for each grade level, how to properly administer student assessments, and how to accurately enter scores into the DnA online assessment platform. Through guided instruction and hands-on practice, participants will walk through each step of the assessment process from start to finish.
Clear, specific pitches help youth and families understand what a program offers, see why it matters to them, and decide to sign up. In this hands-on practice session, staff will prepare and deliver pitches for the programs they're recruiting for this school year. The focus will be on the real moment where pitching gets harder: getting specific instead of falling back on a general description, naming the impact a particular youth or family would actually care about, and keeping it short and clear when you have only a minute and the person isn't sure they're interested. Staff will leave with practical language and a clearer plan for talking about their programs in ways that move youth and families from interest to enrollment.
Relationships are at the heart of the work we do! Like any meaningful relationship, they require effort, reflection, and skill. In this session, we will engage in an interactive learning experience and open dialogue focused on building and sustaining working relationships with our post-secondary members. Together, we will explore strategies for navigating challenges, fostering healthy dynamics, and strengthening trust with the young adults we serve.
Strong communication practices help office clerks build trust with stakeholders, represent their site professionally, and create positive experiences during every interaction. In this session, participants will learn core principles of service-oriented communication and apply them to strengthen key touchpoints such as answering phone calls, setting voicemail messages, and handling program sign-outs. Participants will also practice navigating high-stress interactions—such as responding to frustrated or upset caregivers—through scenario-based activities and learn how to recognize when to escalate concerns to site leadership. Participants will leave with practical language, a decision-making framework for escalation, and increased confidence to communicate respectfully and effectively in any situation.
BGCP Reads brings us back to the moments when a powerful read aloud transported us into a fictional world and sparked our imagination. In this session, participants will explore BGCP Reads as a read-aloud curriculum, focusing on the intentional intellectual preparation that makes read alouds come alive. We will unpack the key principles that drive engagement—expressive delivery, and meaningful youth interaction. Participants will leave with concrete strategies to plan and facilitate read alouds that captivate young readers, deepen comprehension, and foster a genuine love of stories.
How to Show Up for Youth is a professional learning session designed to strengthen how Youth Program Leaders build meaningful, supportive relationships with middle school youth through intentional everyday interactions. Grounded in research on adolescent development and relationship-centered practices, this session explores how consistency, empathy, active listening, and positive communication help young people feel safe, respected, and connected. Using elements of the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) framework, participants will examine what it means to work with youth—rather than doing things to or for them—by fostering student voice, shared accountability, and authentic connection. Through reflection and practical strategies, YPLs will build skills to create inclusive environments where middle school students feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Effectively addressing Tier 1 behaviors helps staff maintain strong classroom culture, reduce disruptions, and maximize student engagement. In this practice-based session, staff will use the behavior management plan to learn and rehearse key strategies, including delivering clear verbal warnings and leading 1:1 restorative conversations. The focus will be on the moments that often feel most challenging—responding consistently in the moment, maintaining composure, and navigating student reactions with clarity and respect. Staff will leave with practical language, greater confidence, and a clear approach to addressing Tier 1 behaviors in real time.
In this working session, participants will use dedicated time to continue to advance their learning or make progress on key tasks—such as refining safety systems, strengthening operational routines, or practicing communication strategies—while receiving coaching and support. This will serve as an opportunity to integrate new learning and turn it into consistent practices that will carry over to day-to-day work at sites. Participants will leave with tangible progress on their work, clearer next steps, and the confidence to independently apply and sustain the systems and skills developed throughout the training series.
