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"Back to the Future with Technology"
2026 Center of Transformation




Welcome to the 2026 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington's (BGCGW) Center of Transformation (CoT) program site! CoT is a first-of-its-kind incubator for change, innovation, engagement, advocacy, and creative thinking. We are excited to have you join us for the fourth year of CoT, exposing youth to emerging global issues.
Mission
Our mission is to raise Club youth’s awareness of global issues and to empower youth to advocate for a sustainable future.
Vision
The CoT vision is to create a locally-designed, nationally-implemented program that provide youth with world-class opportunities to become global change agents and solution-focused leaders.
Eligible CoT Participants
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Tweens - Ages 12-13 (not eligible to travel to the CoT Summit)
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Teens - Age 14-18 (eligible to travel to the CoT Summit)
CoT Featured Activities
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CoT 10-week program - January 26 - April 17, 2026
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Virtual CoT Celebration (CoT Tweens) - May 2026
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CoT Summit in Washington, DC (CoT Teens) - June 14 - 19, 2026
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Bonus programming events throughout the year
Questions?
Email Center of Transformation Staff at: cot@bgcgw.org
The CoT 10-week program curriculum is designed for members ages 12-18. The curriculum can be implemented in virtual and in-person environments. The program features interactive weekly sessions (1 hour per week) and special bonus virtual sessions. In 2026, the theme is "Back to the Future with Technology" with a focus on AI, discernment, and sustainability. Members will have opportunities to demonstrate and enhance their leadership development, decision-making, and critical thinking skills while raising their awareness of real-world challenges and potential solutions.
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The 10-week program will focus on interactive and hands-on learning activities in 60-minute sessions one day per week.
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Tweens & Teens will gain exposure to STEM, workforce readiness, and advocacy.
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During the 10-week program, members will have an opportunity to participate in a CoT final project competition to showcase their increased awareness and knowledge.
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Final project winners will be announced and invited to the Virtual CoT Celebration (CoT Tweens) or the CoT Summit (CoT Teens) in Washington, DC for a week of learning, advocacy, networking, a career fair, and world-class experiences unique to our nation’s capital.
Facilitator Resources:

Week 1
Introduction to CoT & Technology Time Machine

Week 6
Can AI Be Trusted?
Ethics & Discernment

Week 2
Birth of Digital Age & Internet Revolution

Week 7
Your Future in the Age of AI:
Careers in AI & Technology

Week 3
Music & Gaming Then & Now

Week 8
Futuristic Technologies:
Virtual Reality & Beyond

Week 4
Robots Among Us:
Automation & Innovation

Week 9
Advocacy:
Tech for Good

Week 5
Artificial Intelligence -
Smart Machines Arrives

Week 10
Back to the Future Showcase:
Wrap Up & Program Evaluation
Meet the
Center of Transformation Director

Dr. Christie Wilson
Director of Center of Transformation
Oversees the Dr. Sachiko Kuno Center of Transformation through strategic planning, annual CoT curriculum development/implementation, funding opportunities, CoT Summit planning and execution, and collaborative youth development.
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