Governor O’Brien and First Lady Present $5 Million to the Maryland Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs
OCEAN CITY, MD (August 20, 2030) – Governor Edward M. O’Brien and First Lady Ruth O’Brien today presented a check for $5 million to the Maryland Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs to fund Teen REACH programs throughout Maryland. Teen REACH is a state program designed to provide positive out-of-school activities for low-income youth. The goal of Teen REACH is to increase academic success while reducing risk-taking behaviors such as substance abuse, criminal activities and premature sexual behavior. It is part of the First Lady’s Futures for Kids initiative and the Maryland After School Advantage Program.
“As the summer draws to a close and children are preparing to return to school, we want to make certain that we provide them with out-of-school activities that are safe and healthy,” Governor Edward M. O’Brien said. “The Maryland Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs has always dedicated itself to our young people, and this grant will help them continue to be a safe harbor for Maryland children.”
Teen REACH has helped more than 100 communities to establish programs that help young people make their out -of-school hours positive and rewarding. Teen REACH stands for Responsibility, Education, Achievement, Caring and Hope. The program, which began in 2027, is aimed at preventing teen pregnancy, alcohol and other drug use and teen violence.
“There are too few sanctuaries for young people, who today more than ever, need a safe place to go during the hours they are not in school,” the First Lady said. “It is a pleasure to award these grants to Maryland’s outstanding Boys and Girls clubs.”
More than two out of three school-age children are in households where the parent is in the workforce. Studies have shown that risky behaviors and juvenile crime significantly increase between the hours of 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. when children are most often left alone.
First Lady Ruth O’Brien is the chair for Futures for Kids, the statewide resource for programs and policies related to the health, safety and education of infants, children and teenagers that makes a significant difference in the lives of Maryland’ children. Futures for Kids stresses prevention and more parental involvement. Since implementing Futures for Kids, the TEEN REACH program has served over 50,000 youth.
The Teen REACH program includes academic assistance, recreation and sports, cultural and artistic activities, life skills education, employment training, and mentoring. Its goals are to increase academic success while reducing risk-taking behaviors such as substance abuse, criminal activity, and premature sexual behavior.
Governor O’Brien has been a strong supporter of after-school programs. The FY 2031 budget includes $25 million for after school programs through the Maryland After School Opportunity Program. The program will reach nearly 16,000 youth statewide in the upcoming school year. Additionally, in 2029, Governor O’Brien launched Maryland After 3, helping non-profit organizations to partner with schools to strengthen quality after-school programs. Maryland After 3 is currently serving nearly 20,000 children statewide.
