The Importance of After-School Programs for Middle and High School Youth

When people think of childcare, they often imagine a safe place for infants, toddlers, and young children while their parents are at work. But what about middle schoolers and teens? These older youth also need a structured, supportive environment in the hours after school—one that not only keeps them safe but also provides essential resources that help them thrive.

Many families work late or have non-traditional shifts, leaving their children home alone for several hours each evening. This time can be particularly challenging for middle and high school students, who may struggle with food security, lack of supervision, or simply not having a positive place to go. At Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire, we recognize that need, which is why our teen program is completely free to its attendees.

Every day, our teens receive a snack and dinner before heading home for the night, ensuring they have access to nutritious food. But we offer so much more than just meals—we provide a safe space where they can socialize, receive homework help, and benefit from mentoring. Our programs are designed to support their development through community service opportunities, workforce readiness training, and exciting activities like Tae Kwon Do, music production, and gardening.

One of the most crucial aspects of our teen program is the guidance we offer as they transition into adulthood. If you think about it, these young individuals are at a highly impressionable stage, standing on the edge of adulthood. We are some of the last people in their lives to offer them structured support before they step into the workforce and navigate life’s challenges independently. That’s why we strive to equip them with the tools, knowledge, and experiences they need for success.

Through partnerships with organizations like Citi, we introduce our teens to things like financial literacy—an invaluable skill many of us wish we had learned earlier in life. By providing them with budgeting and money management lessons, we help set them up for financial stability in the future.

Beyond the school year, we also offer full-day care and programming for teens during the summer. This ensures that they continue to have a safe and enriching environment even when school is not in session. Our summer programs offer additional opportunities for learning, personal growth, and community engagement, helping teens stay active and engaged throughout the year.

We believe in investing in our youth, not just when they’re little, but all the way through their teenage years. Our mission is to ensure every child and teen in our community has the support and opportunities they need to build a great future. By offering free access to mentorship, education, and enrichment, we are helping shape the next generation of leaders, workers, and changemakers.

If you know a teen who could benefit from a place to belong after school, or if you want to support our mission, visit BGCSiouxEmpire.org or call 605.338.8061. Together, we can create brighter futures for all youth in our community.