The Village entered into a multiyear agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin in February 2020 to take over the operations of the Schaumburg Teen Center. The Boys and Girls Club formed a Schaumburg board of directors, which serves along with the parent organization’s board to provide governance to the club. The police department provides oversight for the club to ensure they meet performance metrics set in the agreement and adequately provide for the needs of Schaumburg youth.
Before transitioning to the Boys and Girls Club, village staff had started planning physical improvements to the teen center space. Those plans were incorporated into the agreement with the club. Once the club reached an enrollment of 75 teens, the agreement called for the village to complete the capital improvement project. The club met that goal, and the village performed approximately $250,000 in facility improvements. A community open house was held showcasing the improvements to the facility. The village also utilized American Rescue Plan Act funds to assist the club with the following:
- Transportation Van - $48,000 (Staffing, Insurance, Maintenance and Associated Liability would be the responsibility of the club).
- Internet Infrastructure Enhancement - $5,000
- Technology Enhancements (Computers, Monitors, Updated Gaming Units) - $9,500
- Security Camera Expansion - $10,500
The club gives the village quarterly reports highlighting key activities and attendance metrics. Some examples of club activities include:
- Career exploration and presentations by area businesses discussing the benefits of careers and the requirements to achieving careers.
- Field trips to museums and other educational locations.
- Computer and technology training.
- Participation in area events such as the Schaumburg Business Association lemonade stand program.
- The development of partnerships with area schools including bus service to the club.
- Homework help.
- Arts and Crafts.
- Music.
- Sports.
The club tries to provide a mix of fun and educational opportunities for members to keep them interested while they work to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. In 2024, the club received a grant from the Schaumburg Park District to utilize the community recreation center for sports-related activities.
The Schaumburg Board of Directors consists of ten members from the community including members of the Schaumburg Business Association. In addition to providing direction to the club, the board also conducts fund raising, awareness, and many volunteer their time working with youth at the club.
Staff has continued to receive positive feedback about the club operations. The club reached over 100 members in 2024. The club resets club memberships at the end of each school year with member retention and recruitment efforts increasing with the beginning of each school year. Attached is the 2024 second quarter report which provides additional data on attendance and membership for the end of the 2024 school year.
Chief Wolf met with the executive staff of the club to discuss terms for a new four-year agreement. The agreement keeps the same funding level for the club with similar reporting and performance requirements. The club has done well with fundraising efforts and does not currently see the need for additional funding from the village. If membership continues to increase, the club may need to look for a larger space in the future.