Helping Sioux Empire Kids Reach Their Full Potential After the School Bell

For many young people in the Sioux Empire the school day ends at 3 p.m, but learning, growth and opportunity shouldn’t end there.

Across South Dakota, students are still working to recover from the academic setbacks of recent years. Today, the state ranks in the bottom half nationally in post-pandemic recovery, placing 30th in math and 31st in reading since 2022, as reported by Dakota News Now.

These challenges are even more pronounced for young people in communities with fewer economic resources, where access to enrichment opportunities and academic support outside of school can be limited.

In the Sioux Empire we see this reality every day.

That is why out-of-school-time programming plays such a critical role. In 2025, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire, one of the region’s largest providers of out-of-school-time programming, served more than 2,900 youth across Sioux Falls, Brandon, and Harrisburg. Serving a diverse age range, the organization provides academic support through its Power Hour program. Through Power Hour, students benefit from:

• Homework support and academic guidance
• Structured time for focused learning
• Development of study habits and goal setting
• Encouragement from supportive adult mentors
• Increased confidence and independent learning skills

Beyond academic support, early engagement is key to long-term success. K–5 programming provides consistent out-of-school time care while creating a clear pathway into teen programming, fostering long-term engagement and positive outcomes. This work is especially critical in Sioux Falls, where an estimated 4,000–6,000 teens need out-of-school supervision, according to a study by the Augustana Research Institute on behalf of Sioux Falls Thrive. As a result, many young people are left unsupervised during peak after-school hours, highlighting a significant gap and underscoring the vital role these programs play in providing safe, structured, and supportive environments.

The stakes are high. Today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce, innovators, and community leaders. Helping them stay on track to graduate is not just a school issue; it’s a community responsibility.

The hours after school represent one of the most powerful opportunities to support young people academically and prepare them for life beyond graduation. High-quality out-of-school programs provide far more than supervision. They offer:

• Academic support and homework help
• Mentorship from caring adults
• Opportunities to build leadership and life skills
• Safe environments where kids can explore interests and build confidence

Research shows that young people participating in high-quality out-of-school programs are more likely to improve academically, develop stronger social skills and avoid risky behaviors compared with youth who do not have access to those opportunities.

Yet nationwide over 75% of children (roughly 25 to 30 million) who are not enrolled in these programs lack access, as demand far outweighs availability - leaving millions of young people without the support they need during critical developmental years.

Since 1957, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire has worked to close this gap by helping young people stay on track academically while preparing for what comes next. The Clubs create environments where youth can build the skills needed for lifelong success, academically, socially, and professionally. On any given day, members may be:

• Building problem-solving skills through STEM and robotics programs
• Discovering their voice through arts, media and public speaking
• Learning teamwork and resilience through sports and recreation
• Exploring careers and post-secondary pathways through mentorship and workforce readiness programs

These experiences help young people see a future for themselves and build confidence to reach it.

Beyond daily programming, the Clubs offer leadership opportunities through initiatives like Youth of the Year (YOY) and the Summit for America’s Youth (SAY), helping build skills in public speaking, leadership, and civic engagement. In 2026, one local teen advanced to the state level for YOY, while five SAY participants will travel to Washington, D.C., to share their stories with members of Congress, and explore future education and career pathways.

Together, these programs open doors to local teens’ future success, equipping them with the confidence, skills, and opportunities needed to pursue higher education, careers, and leadership roles in their communities.

While Boys & Girls Clubs are committed to helping every young person reach their potential, meeting the growing demand for high-quality youth programs requires continued investment and community support. Out-of-school programs, like Boys & Girls Clubs, rely on trained youth development professionals, safe spaces and evidence-based programs that help young people build academic, leadership and workforce readiness skills.

In the Sioux Empire we consistently work with community partners, educators, and local leaders to ensure more young people have access to these life-changing opportunities. Because when young people have the support they need to succeed, the benefits extend far beyond the individual student – they help contribute to a positive future for all of us.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Klarissa Krcil, MBA, is a marketing and communications director, sports and youth development advocate, and dedicated community leader who serves on the board of the Sioux Falls Area Pickleball association.

ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE SIOUX EMPIRE

As the region’s largest provider of out-of-school time care, Boys & Girls Clubs serve local youth from 4 weeks through age 18 — providing stability, structure, and opportunity during the hours when kids need it most. Their mission to nurture, educate, and enrich children and youth equips them with the resources essential for achieving lifelong success.