Jennifer Bateman, Ph.D.
Jennifer Bateman leads Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national youth development and impact strategy, helping ensure young people across the Boys & Girls Club Movement have access to high-quality experiences and opportunities that help them thrive.
Jennifer began her career in youth development in 1999 at a local Boys & Girls Club in Brooklyn. That experience launched a career dedicated to strengthening the programs, practices and systems that support positive outcomes for young people.
Today, Jennifer leads BGCA’s national efforts to strengthen program quality and advance youth outcomes in academic success, character and leadership, health and wellness, and life and workforce readiness. Her work brings together developmental science, research and practice to help Clubs create environments where young people experience a sense of belonging, build strong relationships, develop confidence and agency, and gain the skills and opportunities they need for the future.
Prior to her national leadership role at BGCA, Jennifer worked with state agencies and youth-serving organizations to develop statewide standards, quality improvement systems and professional development approaches for out-of-school-time programs.
Jennifer earned an M.Ed. in Child and Adolescent Development from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.
Authored Articles
By creating safe, welcoming places for all, we can support LGBTQ young people in knowing they are accepted as they are.
Building and demonstrating the skills needed to form solid, lasting friendships.
Boys & Girls Clubs are leveling the playing field by providing youth with access to critical opportunities that foster essential social and emotional skills.
