Boys & Girls Clubs opens free college and career club at Richardson High School

Richardson High School students now have a new place to plan what comes after graduation, and they don't have to leave campus to get there. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas opened a college and career readiness club at the school on Oct. 19. The club offers free programming after school five days a week.

The club is built around BGCD's Blueprint Richardson program, a pilot meant to show students different career pathways and help them build practical professional skills. Students can expect a monthly speaker series on life after high school, curriculum covering skilled trades and professional careers, field trips, and tutoring and guidance for test prep and college applications.

The club is starting small and plans to grow. Williams, who spoke with Community Impact about the program, said the goal is to enroll 60 students this year and reach 200 students within the next few years. "We are creating opportunities for students to build those relationships," Williams said, describing a community of people, businesses and organizations ready to help students reach their potential.

The new site is also a milestone for the partnership. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas has served Richardson for years, but the RHS club is its first direct partnership with Richardson ISD. The organization's existing Richardson club, which reopened its renovated building last year at St. Barnabas Presbyterian Church next door to the high school, serves both children and teens.

The program is free for students, and BGCD CEO Brian Slye said the organization is still working on fundraising and community partnerships to support it. Neighbors and local businesses who want to get involved can find more information at bgcdallas.org. The club is at 1250 W. Belt Line Road in Richardson.

This story is based on original reporting by Community Impact Newspaper.