In September 2006, the doors were opened on the 32,000-square foot home of the Oprah Winfrey Boys & Girls Club of Kosciusko/Attala County (OWBGC). Made possible by the generous efforts of Oprah Winfrey, a Kosciusko native, and her foundation, the center provides a safe, structured, and positive environment for young people.
Roughly 330 area youths were enrolled in the club’s after school and summer camp in the 2014 calendar year, with community outreach totaling about 725. Aligned with the BGCA, programs largely fall under one of five core areas: Education & Career; The Arts, Character & Leadership, Health & Life Skills, Sports, and Fitness, & Recreation.
A multitude of programs, including daily Power Hour study sessions with learning professionals, Money Matters which promotes financial responsibility and independence to club members aged 13 to 18, and Diplomas 2 Degrees (D2D) which aims to instill college readiness.
The Culinary Arts Program was created by Art Smith, Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef. Through the program, young people are educated on the importance of nutrition, physical well-being, and appreciation of diversity through the food and art of different cultures. The program also promotes physical fitness and culture through classes in yoga, capoeira (Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, music, and acrobatics), tai chi, and African dance.
Annually, a teen is selected for the title of Youth of the Year. Held throughout the BGCA network, the award is bestowed to a teen who embodies the values of leadership service, academic excellence, and a healthy lifestyle.
UNIT DIRECTOR
LaQuanda Harvey
500 Knox Rd
Kosciusko, MS 39090 | 601.934.1064
Hours of Operation
After School Program Hours
2:30pm - 7:00pm
Summer Program Hours
7:00am - 6:00pm
For more information feel free to contact us. (601) 934-1064
If you have any questions or would like additional information about our programs, parent orientations or the sporting leagues, please do not hesitate to contact us at 601.482.2544. We are located at 1717 45th Avenue, Meridian, MS, 39307.
Carl Speight | President
Willie Kern | Secretary
Eloise Williams | Assistant Secretary
Shelia Patterson | Treasurer
Henry Daniels | City Council
Kary Ellington | City Council
Amanda Dean | Resource Development
Carl Speight | Board Development
Maudie Benton | Charles Fancher | Bryan Weaver |
Charles Hull | Kel McDowell | Sheila Patterson | Brian Weaver
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BGCEMS is a 501(c)(3) Non-profit Organization
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