Aaron's
We get it – teens need a space to call their own. That’s why Aaron’s and Boys & Girls Clubs of America have partnered to create vibrant, welcoming teen centers where America’s youth can learn, grow and build great futures in a safe environment.
Whatever it Takes to Reach and Support Teens
Aaron’s renewed its partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America in November 2021, bringing its total commitment to more than $10 million since 2015. The continued partnership supports recruitment and retention of teen members at Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation with an $800,000 investment through 2023.
With Aaron’s support, teens will have access to caring adult mentors and safe spaces as they continue to navigate ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding will also support the implementation of a Teen Mental Health First Aid program, which teaches high school students how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance abuse disorders among their friends and peers.
Since 2015, Aaron’s has surprised nearly 50 Boys & Girls Clubs with new furniture, electronics and games for its teen centers. Clubs report that the refreshes have a lasting impact on the successful outcomes of its teen members, such as Caden S., who received his own surprise from Aaron’s.
Teen Center Refresh
Aaron’s long tradition of giving back to communities it serves extends to its partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Aaron’s employees have updated furniture and technology at teen centers in nearly 50 cities and counting. Before the work begins, teens lead the design process and select a wish list of items for their new space. Teen center refreshes have contributed to a new culture for Club teens, giving them an inviting space independent from younger members. Most importantly, Clubs that receive a teen center refresh report significant increases in teen membership and engagement.
Keystone National Conference
Each year, roughly 1,200 Boys & Girls Club teens and advisors convene for the National Keystone Conference. Over the course of the event, teen leaders come together to discuss relevant issues, strengthen their leadership skills and explore college and career choices. Aaron’s was the presenting sponsor of the National Keystone Conference for seven years and continues its support as a Gold-level sponsor through 2022.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aaron’s support allowed Boys & Girls Clubs of America to host the conference virtually. The 2021 virtual conference was organized around the theme, “Rise Up: We Won’t Be Stopped,” and celebrated the resiliency of teens who found creative ways to support their communities during the pandemic.
“I told my family and staff that I never could have imagined that joining Keystone would have this life altering effect on me. I never thought I could lead a group, take pride in my work or even change my perspective on how great life can actually be.”
-Luis G.
About Aaron’s, Inc.
Headquartered in Atlanta, The Aaron’s Company, Inc. (NYSE: AAN) is a leading omnichannel provider of lease-purchase solutions. Aaron’s engages in direct-to-consumer sales and lease ownership of furniture, home appliances, consumer electronics and accessories through its approximately 1,300 company-operated and franchised stores in 47 states and Canada, as well as its e-commerce platform, Aarons.com. For more information, visit Aarons.com or investor.aarons.com.
