How a Culture of Learning Supports Staff (and Youth!)

BGCA’s Lesa Sexton is back to share an exciting new resource that is going to earn a prized spot on your Boys & Girls Club bookshelf!

In youth development, we talk a lot about creating environments where young people feel safe, supported, and ready to grow. But the truth is, staff need those same conditions. When we invest in the adults who show up for kids every day, we strengthen the heart of our Clubs and we build workplaces where people (staff and youth) can thrive.  

A strong culture of learning is one of the most effective ways to do that. When professional development is prioritized, when learning is part of everyday practice, and when staff have opportunities to learn from each other, they feel valued, capable, and connected. These experiences support their well-being and motivate them to stay. 

A culture of learning is more than a list of required trainings. It’s an organizational mindset where staff at all levels continuously seek, share, and apply knowledge to strengthen both their own practice and the organization. It shows up in regular practices like collaboration, reflection, ongoing skill-building, and healthy risk-taking. Instead of viewing missteps as failures, mistakes are seen as essential steps on the path to growth.  

Research shows that when staff demonstrate strong youth development practices, members are nearly twice as likely to report an optimal Club experience. A strong culture of learning can help to build and reinforce those key practices by building staff knowledge and skill and then turning that into action.

While creating this kind of culture takes time and won’t happen overnight, you can begin with small, intentional steps. Here are three practical ways you can start strengthening your Club’s culture of learning today: 

Make Staff Meetings Learning Opportunities

Instead of using staff meetings solely for updates or announcements, dedicate time for skill-building, reflection, or knowledge sharing. Try facilitating practice activities, “what worked / what didn’t” reflections, or quick problem-solving discussions. This turns routine meetings into moments where staff can learn from one another and feel more connected to the work.

Celebrate Growth, Not Just Outcomes

Recognize when staff take risks, try new strategies, or reflect on challenges—even if things don’t go perfectly. Highlighting effort and learning reinforces that mistakes are part of growth and encourages a safe environment for experimentation.

Encourage Peer-to-Peer Learning

Remember-you already have a wealth of expertise right on your team! Create opportunities for staff to share knowledge, coach each other, or collaborate on projects. Pairing newer staff with experienced mentors or inviting staff to share their skills during regular meetings can spread knowledge and strengthen team cohesion.

Building a strong culture of learning isn’t just good for staff—it’s good for the young people we serve. When staff feel supported, empowered, and connected, they are better able to demonstrate positive youth development practices, which directly impacts the quality of the Club Experience. Every opportunity to reflect, share, and grow reinforces the habits and mindset that make both staff and programs stronger.

Creating a culture of learning doesn’t require huge resources or complicated initiatives. Small, intentional practices-like turning staff meetings into learning moments, celebrating growth, and fostering peer-to-peer learning-can make a meaningful difference in well-being, retention, and overall program quality. By investing in a culture of learning, Clubs not only help staff thrive, they also ensure that young people experience the safe, supportive, and high-quality programs they deserve. 

Boys & Girls Club staff can download the new Culture of Learning and Development Guide and the Hosting a Training Guide now on BGCA.net.