Every day after school, kids across Polk County walk through our doors to find more than just a safe place. They find mentors, meals, homework help, and now, a path to their future careers.

This December, we proudly opened the Brian Lamar Brady Workforce Readiness Center in Mulberry. Polk County’s first dedicated space just for teens to gain real-world skills, explore career paths, and build plans for a successful future.

It’s not your typical after-school program. This space was designed for teens who are ready to try something different — from skilled trades and culinary training to digital learning and entrepreneurship. With open-concept spaces, collaborative work areas, and soon, storefront-style learning labs, we’re creating opportunities that match Gen Z’s ambition with Polk County’s workforce needs.

We are excited to open Polk County’s first dedicated space where teens can gather after school to gain real-world skills, explore career pathways, and start building plans for a successful future,” said Stephanie Hoskins, Board Chair of Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County.

While most of our Club members are in elementary school, we knew our teens needed a space of their own — and the programming to match. That’s why this new Center focuses on certification and career readiness rather than traditional recreational activities. It’s a game-changer for youth in Mulberry and across the county.

“To bring teens in, we needed to separate them from younger kids and create programs that are interesting, fun and genuinely beneficial to them,” said Steve Giordano, President and CEO of BGC Polk.

With $3 million in state funding through the Florida Department of Education, we’ve built a center that reflects where education is headed: hands-on, skills-based, and deeply connected to real career outcomes. Whether a teen wants to explore electrical work, earn a ServSafe certification, or one day open their own business, this space gives them a head start.

And this is just the beginning. Director of Teen Initiatives, Dustin Hooker, is working with local businesses to shape future programming that meets employer needs and excites students.

When young people feel supported, engaged, and hopeful about the future, the ripple effects are powerful. We’re not just filling jobs — we’re reshaping the hope trajectory for teens who might otherwise be left behind. Fewer dropouts. Lower crime. More stable families. Stronger communities.

We’re proud to do this work in honor of Brian Lamar Brady, a man who lived this mission and proved that grit, curiosity, and support can change everything.

Want to learn more? Read the full story from LkldNow.

If you’re a business owner, skilled tradesperson, or community leader who wants to mentor the next generation, let’s talk.

Contact us: info@bgcpolk.org

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Together, we’re not just building a new center. We’re building great futures!