CHaD helps bring ‘Leader in Me’ program to Boys and Girls Club kids

Leader in Me 7 Healthy Habits Tree.

MANCHESTER, NH – Kids enrolled in the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester (BGCM) will soon be sharpening their saws and synergizing thanks to support from Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD).

The two organizations have partnered to incorporate the Leader in Me® process into the Club’s current after-school curriculum. CHaD is investing in a multi-year partnership to cover the cost of travel, training, and membership that will be introduced after the first year.

“Emotional health is a key component of overall well-being,” says CHaD  Physician-in-Chief Keith Loud, MD. “The Boys & Girls Club of Manchester advances the social and emotional health of so many children and adolescents through its fantastic programming. We are pleased to help the Boys & Girls Club add the Leader in Me curriculum to its offerings over the course of the next few years.”

Now in nearly 4,000 schools across the world, Leader in Me is an evidence-based, K-12 comprehensive-school improvement model and process — developed in partnership with a global community of educators — that empowers students with the social and emotional, leadership and life skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. The process was created by FranklinCovey Education, a prominent and trusted provider of educational programs worldwide. The process is currently being implemented at five Manchester schools. However, BGCM will be the first after-school program in New England to implement the program.

“At the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester, we are creating leadership opportunities for our kids each and every day. Our goal is to empower every Club member through safe and impactful experiences to help them graduate high school with a plan for college or career, to contribute to society and to live a healthy life,” said Diane Fitzpatrick, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Manchester. “The Leader in Me process will provide our staff and Club members with the necessary life skills to create a stronger, more positive culture.”

BGCM began including Leader in Me in all aspects of Club programs and activities in the Fall to provide staff with strategies, tools, and language to help build resiliency, establish healthy life-long habits, and promote positive outcomes in children. A leader in the community, BGCM plans to train other youth-serving organizations in Manchester once this program is fully integrated into the Club.

“It is an absolutely essential practice for after-school program providers to create synergy and alignment with day school institutions,” said Sean Covey, President, FranklinCovey Education. “Surely the benefits and impact for youth, families, and community will surely add to the positive change we want to see in the world. The Leader in Me process will provide the principles, processes and tools to everyone involved in the Club, so that the future leaders of tomorrow are inspired to act today, and every day of their lives to be that change.”


For additional information about the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester’s after-school programs, please visit www.BeGreatManchester.org.