Lower East Side residents know all too well the challenges facing neighborhood youngsters. The Boys and Girls Republic (BGR) has been addressing those challenges with engaging, innovative programs since 1932.

The most unique element of BGR is its self-government model, which enables young people to take an active role in shaping their "society." All BGR participants become "citizens" of the "Republic," running for office, voting for elected officials and keeping order in their community. The program has 13 elected officials, including a mayor, city clerk, judge, prosecuting attorney, comptroller and eight council members. BGR legislation is voted on at council meetings and "citizens" who break the rules are prosecuted at court trials.

All BGR programming is designed to enhance each child's academic progress, social development and emotional well-being.

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMMING

BGR offers after-school activities for young people in kindergarten through eigth grade, Monday through Friday from 3 to 6:15 p.m. BGR staff picks up students from P.S. 15, Girls Prep, P.S. 64, P.S. 111, Earth School and and P.S. 34. On most school holidays, BGR programming is in session from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

BGR's after-school program provides a safe, structured and nurturing environment that supports and enhances academic success, giving students opportunities to explore and discover themselves and their surroundings, and increases self-esteem. Offerings include homework help and tutoring, computer learning, sports and recreation, arts education, and self-government and youth leadership activities. Fridays are extremely dynamic at BGR, with Citizen's Choice and Self-Government Committees offering everything from community service projects to bake sales, field trips, tournaments and contests. (See after-school programs page for more information).

For more information, contact Leonor Colon, Coordinator for the Center's after-school program, at 212.686.8888 x17 or lcolon@henrystreet.org.

EVENING PROGRAMMING

The evening program offers many activities to young people ages 14-24 and runs Monday through Friday, from 6 to 9 p.m.

We are currently recruiting players for the 16-and-under and 19-and-under basketball teams. Our fall tournament (for which we still need teams) will begin October 1.

A game room — featuring pool, ping pong, fuzzball, air hockey, and PlayStation 3 — is open every night from 6 to 9 p.m.

Tutoring services are offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings through a partnership with NYU. Tutoring is mandated for BGR basketball team players, but is open to any other high school or college students in need of assistance.

BGR is now hosting GED classes, in conjunction with Literacy Partners and the Settlement's Workforce Development Center. Classes are held from noon to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Interested students should call Literacy Partners at 212.725.9200.

Employment services are available to interested young people daily by appointment.

OPEN GYM

Open gym sessions are offered from 1 to 3 p.m.  daily and from 6 to 9 p.m. when games are not being held in the gym.

For more information, contact Derek Mitchell, Coordinator of the Center's evening program, at 212.686.8888 x22 or dmitchell@henrystreet.org.

SUMMER CAMP SERVICES

In July and August, BGR hosts a day camp on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (See our summer camp services page for further details on both camps.)