Community Spotlight: Meet Len Smolburd of Boys & Girls Club Greater Conejo Valley

Len Smolburd

CEO & President, Boys & Girls Club Greater Conejo Valley

Can you please share more about yourself and the mission of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Conejo Valley? 

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley is to enhance the lives of young people and their families by providing a positive environment that cultivates academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character, and responsible citizenship. No child is ever turned away due to financial hardship because we believe every child deserves the opportunity for a brighter future. 

I grew up attending my local Boys & Girls Club in San Francisco, which inspired my lifelong dedication to this movement. I joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley a year ago, bringing more than two decades of non-profit management experience. 

Before this role, I served as Chief Programs Officer at the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, where I led the nation’s largest community-based scholarship program. Over five years, my team awarded more than $37 million in scholarships and helped students, and their families secure an additional $200 million in federal, state, and institutional financial aid. Previously, I spent eleven years with the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco in a variety of programmatic and administrative leadership positions, deepening my commitment to expanding opportunities for young people and their families. 

Who has made a strong impact on your life and has helped you to get you where you are today? 

Growing up in San Francisco, my Boys & Girls Club mentor believed in me and set high expectations that shaped who I am today. He remains a dear friend and trusted guide, and I feel fortunate to have had someone so deeply invested in my growth. His influence inspired me to dedicate my career to the Boys & Girls Club, where I strive to provide the same encouragement and opportunities to the next generation. 

What are some recent highlights at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Conejo Valley? And what events, milestones and steps are in the near future? 

Most recently we concluded eight weeks of summer programming. We registered almost 1,400 youth for. Every participant received breakfast, a healthy snack, and lunch, resulting in more than 4,000 meals served. We are excited to celebrate our 23rd Annual Gala on Saturday, September 6 and on Wednesday, February 4th we will host our inaugural Youth of the Year Luncheon that is being Presented by UCLA Health. The Youth of the Year program is the premier leadership and recognition initiative of Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation. It celebrates outstanding young individuals who exemplify leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to their Club and community. As the highest honor a Club member can achieve, this prestigious program empowers youth to share their stories, strengthen life skills, and prepare for a promising future. 

Youth of the Year honorees serve as ambassadors for the Boys & Girls Club, inspiring their peers and representing the values and mission of the organization. 

What about the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Conejo Valley is special to you, what would you like our readers to know? 

BGCGCV was founded in 2001 with the mission to enhance the lives of young people and their families by providing a positive environment that cultivates academic success, healthy lifestyles, character and leadership development. We have served over 20,000 youth in the Greater Conejo Valley since our inception 23 years ago. In collaboration with two local school districts, we annually serve more than 3,000 youth, ages 4-17. BGCGCV serves all families in need of high-quality youth development services with 63% of our Club members living in extremely, very and/or otherwise low-income households. BGCGCV offers academic support, working closely with teachers and administration to meet the needs of the youth and families we serve. We provide homework help, enrichment activities like art, sports, leadership opportunities, STEM, and performing arts, and ensure social interaction and fun in every lesson. Our staff are trained in Social Emotional Learning, fostering connections among kids and promoting balance in our dynamic environment. 

Why did you think it was important to become a member of the CNL? What do you value most about your connection with CNL? 

Joining the Center for Nonprofit Leadership at Cal Lutheran has given me and the BGC Conejo Board valuable access to a strong network of local nonprofit professionals, along with both in-person and virtual training opportunities. Through the Board Leadership Institute (BLI), our organization benefited from a high-quality program designed to strengthen day-to-day operations while also connecting us with peers who can support our long-term strategic planning efforts. 

How can the community support you? Where can they find you on social media? 

_­The community can support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley by investing in our programs. At BGCGCV, education is at the heart of everything we do. We provide daily academic support through programs like Power Hour and free one-on-one tutoring, ensuring youth stay on track for academic success. Enrichment activities spanning arts, leadership development, STEM, and performing arts—build essential skills for life-long learning and achievement. Our commitment is clear: 96% of our Club members expect to graduate from high school, and 79% plan to pursue higher education or vocational training. 

Our Mental Health Awareness Program equips youth with the knowledge and tools to care for their emotional health. Through eight dynamic sessions, youth learn to recognize emotions, manage stress, foster healthy relationships, and build resilience. With a personalized "Mental Health Game Plan," participants emerge empowered, self-aware, and ready to tackle life's challenges—because every child deserves to thrive emotionally as well as academically. 

Our Impact 

• 99% of members miss fewer than 5 days of school annually 
• 95% of youth report feeling emotionally safe at the Club 
• 86% engage in community service 
• 82% believe they can make a difference in their community 

Why Your Support Matters 
Despite Conejo Valley’s reputation for academic excellence, many of our youth, particularly those from marginalized communities, lack access to high-quality education and mentorship opportunities. BGCGCV bridges this gap. Investment in the youth we serve fuels academic achievement, technological empowerment, emotional well-being, and leadership development for 3,000 youths each year. 

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