Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena Launches “Future Ready” Revamp for Local Youth

The Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena has unveiled its “Future Ready” initiative, a sweeping transformation of its Slavik and Mackenzie-Scott branches aimed at helping local youth recover and thrive following the recent Altadena wildfire and widespread school disruptions.

The Slavik Branch on East Del Mar Boulevard now features a new outdoor play area, ADA-accessible walkway, refreshed Arts Center, and the “Why Not You?” Technology Lab—an interactive space nurturing early tech skills and curiosity. K–8 youth will also benefit from the updated Journeys: Paths to Adulthood leadership program and expanded music, art, and dance offerings. Mental health services have been enhanced with a licensed clinical psychologist, expanded wellness programming from the Club’s Care Coordinators, and support from partner organization Young & Healthy.

At the Mackenzie-Scott Branch on North Fair Oaks Avenue, a new teen center has opened with extended evening hours and specialized programming for high school students. Developed with input from a Teen Advisory Council, the center includes College Bound and Career Bound initiatives (via College Access Plan), driver’s education, sports, practical arts, comedy workshops, and access to a high-tech innovation lab. Future features, including a music recording studio and DIY maker space, are also in development.

“In the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, many teens in our community are carrying invisible burdens. Programs that focus on launch support and mental health are not just helpful — they’re essential,” said Mo Hyman, executive director of College Access Plan.

Young & Healthy’s interim co-executive director Liz Arnold added, “We believe that every child deserves not just to survive hardship, but to rise from it stronger.”

Donor Denise Matthews, who contributed after the fires, said, “Seeing how they’ve taken this support and invested it into customized spaces for youth and teens — it’s exactly the kind of forward-thinking our community needs.”

“This shift comes at a critical time,” said CEO Lisa Cavelier. “BGCP is ensuring that every young person receives programming, mentorship, and opportunities designed just for them.”

Registration for fall programs opened July 15. For more, visit bgcpasadena.org/future-ready or contact Stephanie Bernal at stephanie.bernal@bgcpasadena.org.

The two locations for the programs are the Slavik Branch at 3230 E. Del Mar Blvd, Pasadena  and the Mackenzie-Scott Branch at 2020 N. Fair Oaks Avenue.