FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Peter Poon Kwong, poonkwong@bgcsctn.org
Brady Hargrove Selected as One of 30 National AfterSchool Association “Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders”
Columbia, TN —January 22, 2026 — Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee (BGCSCTN) is proud to announce that Brady Hargrove, Area South Director, has been selected as one of just 30 professionals nationwide for the National AfterSchool Association (NAA) Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders program.
Hargrove was chosen from a highly competitive national pool of youth development organizations and nonprofits in recognition of his leadership, dedication to afterschool programming, and positive impact on youth, staff, and communities across South Central Tennessee. His selection places him among a distinguished cohort of emerging leaders helping shape the future of the afterschool field nationwide.
As part of this honor, NAA will support Hargrove’s continued professional growth through a complimentary NAA membership, attendance at the 2026 NAA Convention in Washington, D.C., and opportunities for national recognition, networking, and peer collaboration. Hargrove will also be featured in the Spring 2026 issue of AfterSchool Today, NAA’s flagship publication.
Following his selection, Hargrove reflected on the work that drives him and the impact afterschool programs have on youth and families across South Central Tennessee.
When asked what he is most proud of, Hargrove shared: “I’m most proud of being part of a team that creates a safe place where kids can grow and parents feel confident sending their children each day. My role is about connecting young people to opportunities they may not have outside of the Club and making sure both youth and staff feel supported and heard.”
Reflecting on his work in Area South, he added: “None of this happens alone. This work is only possible because of an incredible administrative team and dedicated staff who show up every day and put kids first. The experiences our youth gain and the trusted relationships they build with caring adults are what truly make the impact.”
Hargrove also emphasized the importance of afterschool programs for families: “They give kids opportunities they might not get anywhere else. It’s a place where young people can share their ideas, try new things, and have a say in what they’re learning and experiencing. Over time, those moments help build confidence and show youth that their voices matter. For families, it means knowing their children are part of a program that encourages growth, exploration, and helps them discover what they’re capable of.”
Hargrove began his career with BGCSCTN in 2016 as a Youth Development Coordinator and later advanced to Area South Coordinator before being promoted to Club Services Director. In his current role, he oversees organizational programming, manages academic case management programs, and leads a team of part-time tutors.
In 2023, he was named a Certified Praesidium Guardian by Praesidium, a national leader in abuse prevention and risk management, and earned certification as a Child Abuse Prevention Education (CAPE) Specialist. He also holds credentials as an NTI Tier 2 Trainer, external program quality assessor, DIY STEM Specialist, and Methods Trainer.
“It has been a pleasure to watch Brady grow and develop in his career here,” said Josh Campbell, Chief Operations Officer. “His passion for youth development in the out-of-school time space is inspiring, and we are incredibly proud to see him recognized as one of NAA’s Next Generation Leaders.”
Brady Hargrove’s selection as a Next Generation of Afterschool Leader is a meaningful recognition of his leadership, dedication, and impact on young people across South Central Tennessee. His achievement reflects both his personal commitment to youth development and BGCSCTN’s ongoing investment in quality, safety, and innovation.
BGCSCTN is proud to celebrate Brady’s accomplishment and looks forward to the continued impact of his leadership at both the local and national level.
About Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders Award
NAA’s Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders identifies young leaders and recognizes and cultivates the talent of afterschool champions who have the potential to influence the field of afterschool for years to come. The selected emerging leader honorees will have demonstrated contributions that have started to influence beyond individual programs to organizations and communities, a proven passion for developing themselves and others, active engagement in efforts to elevate the afterschool field, and demonstrated persistence in their work to grow as leaders.
Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders Award
About Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee
The vision of Boys & Girls Clubs of America is to provide a world-class Club Experience that ensures success is within reach for every young person who enters our doors. Founded in 1999, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee serves more than 1,700 youth annually across three Clubhouse sites and eleven school-based locations. In partnership with Maury County Public Schools since 2016, the Club has expanded its reach to provide vital services to children and families throughout the region.
For more information, please visit Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee
