As I go out into my own community and ask people to make a contribution to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana, it is nice to know that I go into those conversations armed with the following data from a 2007 Harris Poll:

- 57% of alumni said the Club saved their life.
- Overall, 91% are satisfied with their adult life.
- 61% of alumni became more committed to their education because of Boys & Girls Clubs.
- 28% of alumni would have dropped out of high school if not for Boys & Girls Clubs.
- Nationally, 16% of all students do not go on to graduate from high school, while only 8% of Boys & Girls Club alumni did not finish.
- Nationally, 21% of African American males do not go on to graduate from high school, while only 2% of Boys & Girls Club African American males did not finish.
- Overall, 26% of Boys & Girls Clubs alumni earned a 4-year college degree. This rate is equal to the national benchmark, a remarkable achievement since many Club members come from disadvantaged circumstances.
- 34% of African American Boys & Girls Club male alumni earned a 4-year college degree, compared to the national rate of 16%.
- Overall, Boys & Girls Club alumni mirror the national average for high school graduation and college achievement. Again, this is notable considering the disadvantaged circumstances of many Club members.
- 51% achieved a higher level of education than they thought possible because of their Club

Not a bad payoff, I daresay. At a time of difficult choices, I would argue that it is not hard at all to make the case that the best investment of all is in the youth of America. These people represent the future of our country, so if you are looking for a payoff, why not put your money where your future is? Invest in a kid at your local Boys & Girls Club.