Our Mission is to do whatever it takes to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
In our city, where kids from preschool to post grad need a place to be a kid, there’s a place that’s safe.
A place for kids filled with opportunities. STEM, sports, arts, meals, mentors and more, from morning to evening, kids are listened to and surrounded by community. Finding their voice, paving their future.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (BGCWPA) was established in 1888 to activate the potential of youth and this mission continues to be as important now as it ever was. Providing safe places, mentors, and programs has always been the core model, but how it is delivered has evolved over time as the need and conditions have changed. BGCWPA prides itself on the ability to respond and adapt to ensure we remain resilient, sustainable, and innovative as it is our responsibility that we are always prepared to deliver our commitment to the children and families throughout Greater Pittsburgh.
Our responsibility is to the kids in our neighborhoods.
We provide programs and design support to help them build a great future.
BGCWPA is one of the largest out-of-school-time providers in the region, annually serving over 7,500 kids from Allegheny County and Somerset County in preschool, before/afterschool, summer camp, teen mentoring, workforce development, STEAM, and sports programs. We currently operate programs in 18 locations, with 5 Stand-Alone Clubhouses, 4 School-Based Clubhouses, 2 Teen Centers, and 7 in-school programs. Our strong core values of safety, fun, and inclusion form the foundation of our theory of change and enable us to advance our primary outcomes for children in Academic Success, Career & Life Readiness, Character & Leadership, and Healthy Lifestyles.
Executive Leadership Team
Chris Watts
President & CEO
Kara Petrosky
Vice President, Teen Programs & Partnerships
Keith Gardner
Vice President, Finance
David Tobiczyk
Vice President, Advancement
Gina Beavers
Executive Director, Culture & Community
In addition to our full-time and administrative services staff, we employ over 150 part-time youth program staff, coaches, and STEAM teachers.
Credentials of our staff include:
Mandated Reporter Training, Professional certifications from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, First Aid/CPR trained full-time staff, FBI Fingerprint Criminal History Clearance, and Act 33/34 (Child Abuse and Criminal Record) clearances for all staff and volunteers.
Board of Trustees
Thank you for your gifts of passion, dedication, and generosity in service of our mission!
Chris Watts
President & CEO
Vince Morales
Board Chair
Anita Carleton
Board Vice Chair
David Petrosky – Treasurer, Finance Chair
Andrew Miller – Secretary
TJ Gillespie – Investment Committee Chair
Erica Smith – Safety Chair
Erica Dean
Jackson Elizondo
Daniel Lavallee
Michael Quigley
David Scotti
Amanda Susko
Peter St. Tienne Wolff
Reggie Eiland – Leadership On Board
Jen Papich – Leadership On Board
In addition to our Board of Trustees, we appreciate the dedicated advisory committees at our Stand-Alone Clubhouses for their local fundraising efforts, and passion for the youth and neighborhoods we serve.
