The Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County’s innovative Class2Club program has been named the 2026 North Carolina Overall Program Award Winner by the Boys & Girls Clubs Area Council Leadership, recognizing its outstanding impact on local youth and its unique approach to strengthening school-community partnerships.
The statewide honor celebrates programs that demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and excellence in youth development. Class2Club was selected for its ability to connect the school day and afterschool hours by providing young people with consistent support from trusted Club professionals.
“The Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County earned this recognition because Class2Club is redefining how we support young people,” said Matt Parnell, Director of Organizational Development at BGCA, who oversees the Henderson County Club’s region. “By connecting youth with trusted adults throughout both the school day and after-school hours, the program creates consistency, strengthens relationships, and helps more young people succeed academically and emotionally. Its innovative approach and measurable impact make it a standout model, and this award reflects the meaningful difference the Club is making for hundreds of young people and families throughout the community.”
Through Class2Club, trained Boys & Girls Club professionals work inside local schools during the academic day and transition to the Club each afternoon. This model allows youth to build meaningful relationships with the same caring adults across both environments while receiving support that promotes academic success, social-emotional growth, and positive decision-making.
Currently, Class2Club professionals serve up to 450 students during the school day and continue supporting nearly 90 Club members each afternoon through afterschool programming.
“Class2Club is about more than providing support during the school day or after school. It is about building relationships and creating consistency for young people,” said Jessica Reilly, Director of Club Programs at the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County. “When our staff members are able to be a familiar face in both spaces, they better understand each child’s needs and can provide the encouragement, mentorship, and guidance that help them succeed.”
The program has been strengthened through partnerships with Henderson County Public Schools, the Henderson County Education Foundation, and local community supporters who share a commitment to helping young people thrive.
“Class2Club represents the power of collaboration and what can happen when schools, families, and community organizations come together around a shared commitment to young people,” said Kent Parent, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County. “This award is a reflection of the dedication of our staff, our school partners, and our community supporters who make this work possible every day.”
The Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County is honored to receive this recognition and remains committed to expanding opportunities that help all young people reach their full potential.
