Protecting Our Future: Boys & Girls Clubs of America and CA Will Continue Offering Safer Online Experiences for Young People

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May 13, 2010, 09:00 ET

Information Security Partnership Renewed; Continues Security Solutions to Help Keep Kids and Information Safer Online

ATLANTA, May 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and CA have renewed their partnership, which serves to increase information technology security at the nonprofit's national headquarters in Atlanta and at all Clubs nationwide. The partnership will continue to provide a safer and more reliable computing environment for millions of young Boys & Girls Club members; standardize security protocol for Clubs nationwide; and help save Clubs time and money.

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In 2005, CA became BGCA's national information security partner, making a commitment of $4.6 million in financial and in-kind contributions over a three-year period. CA is continuing its dedication for another three years and will supply $3 million in financial and in-kind contributions to help provide security, availability and improved performance of BGCA's IT infrastructure. With an estimated 75,000 PCs that are used by both Club staff members and young people who utilize their local technology centers, Clubs need to ensure that children and teens are protected in terms of what they have access to and that the information they enter is secure.

"We are extremely grateful for this partnership with CA," said John Goslin, chief technology officer for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "Clubs provide millions of young people with access to computers to complete homework, learn technology applications, and investigate potential jobs. This continued relationship will allow Boys & Girls Clubs to offer a more secured network environment, while helping to save Clubs time and costs associated with IT management."

The anticipated cost savings to Clubs is beneficial because constant budget constraints leave many Boys & Girls Clubs vulnerable when it comes to funding IT security. With CA as the information technology partner, Clubs have access to updated and easily deployable anti-spam, spyware and training at no additional cost.

"When you consider the number of computers in the tech center and how much time and money it takes to keep them protected with renewal fees, codes and setups, CA's software has definitely proved to be valuable," noted Suzette Jewell, chief professional officer, Boys & Girls Club of Denison, Texas. The computer systems at Jewell's Club are among the more than 23,000 licenses issued since the inception of the partnership.

Through the CA Together IT program, CA shares its world-class software solutions and IT expertise with nonprofit organizations to help them strengthen their IT infrastructures and build organizational capacity to ultimately better serve their clients.

"With today's technology changing so rapidly, CA understands that many nonprofit organizations rely on information technology to help run their programs more efficiently, but often times do not have the resources to put the proper systems in place," said Bill Hughes, CA corporate senior vice president, Global Communications. "We are pleased to renew our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America as their national information security partner. This partnership enables BGCA to provide critical community services and allows the Clubs with children who participate in their technology programs to do so in a more safe and secure environment."

In addition to supporting BGCA's IT initiative, CA encourages employees to volunteer at local Clubs and provides unique experiences for Club members to attend CA sponsored events, like the CA Championship PGA golf tournament. Also, CA has hosted golf clinics at local tournaments for area Clubs and supports many of BCGA's fundraising events. Additionally, this year, on June 2, 2010 in New York City, CA's George Fischer, executive vice president, Global Sales, Client Services and Marketing, will serve as vice chair of the BGCA's 35th Anniversary Dinner Gala: Great Futures Start Here.

"The cultures of CA and Boys & Girls Clubs of America are very synergistic, and we hope this partnership continues to be a long-lasting one," added Goslin. "Technology will only get more complex, and CA has proven to be a real asset in continuing to help BGCA provide a safe place for our kids to learn and grow."

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has enabled young people, especially those who need Clubs most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve more than 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs can be found throughout the country and on U.S. military installations worldwide, providing young people 6-18 years old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. Key programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; technology training; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family outreach. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

About CA Together

CA Together, CA's global community relations program, is driven by a core philanthropic focus on improving educational opportunities for underserved children and young people. CA also supports a limited number of organizations and programs in the areas of health and human services, arts and culture, and the environment. Through strategic partnerships with a limited number of nonprofit organizations, CA can provide significant resources to achieve long-term and meaningful results.

About CA

CA (Nasdaq: CA) is the world's leading independent IT management software company. With CA's Enterprise IT Management (EITM) vision and expertise, organizations can more effectively govern, manage and secure IT to optimize business performance and sustain competitive advantage. For more information, visit www.ca.com.

SOURCE Boys & Girls Clubs of America