Iowa tribe of kansas and nebraska
Boys and Girls Club - Programs
Boys and Girls Club - Programs
At the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska Boys and Girls Club, we invest in our youth with purpose and pride. Rooted in our commitment to empowerment, safety, and opportunity, we’ve designed five cornerstone programs that directly address local needs and nurture strong futures.
Each program is more than a set of activities—it’s a path forward.
Our moto which we stand behind is “ To enable all young people especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”
Get Started Today
To enroll and become a member, visit us here at the Boys & Girls Club or contact CEO Paula Walker at pwalker@iowas.org. Applications are accepted year around. Lets build a future where every child has the tools, guidance, and confidence to thrive.
The Boys & Girls Club evidence-informed youth development approach provides young people with Club environments that are safe, structured, fun, and inclusive; supportive relationships with caring adults and positive peers; and activities that build on youth strengths and foster a sense of belonging and competence.
Clubs will intentionally engage youth in targeted programs. Targeted programs are sequenced learning experiences with specific objectives for building skills and knowledge, designed to help youth achieve positive outcomes in one or more of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Formula for Impact priority outcome areas: Academic Success, Health & Wellness, and Good Character & Citizenship.
Project Learn
An evidence-based BGCA afterschool learning approach designed to build and reinforce academic skills and engagement. Project Learn features five components: Homework Help and Tutoring; High Yield Learning Activities; School Day Collaboration; Parental Involvement; and Student Incentives/Recognition. High Yield Learning Activities are intentionally designed to provide students with afterschool learning experiences that are hands-on, interactive and linked to specific academic skills. Project Learn’s evaluation documented the following improvements in participants: increased enjoyment and engagement in learning; improved verbal and writing skills; and improved grades in reading, spelling, history, science, and social studies. Project Learn is included in two evidence-based program registries: the OJJDP Model Programs Guide and the NIJ Crime Solutions program registry.
Power Hour
Engages all students in homework completion and academic skill practice during the first program hour after school. Trained staff and volunteers provide guidance and tutoring to students in both one-on-one and group formats as needed.
Summer Brain Gain
An evidence-informed BGCA summer learning program designed to reduce summer learning loss. Summer Brain Gain utilizes a project-based learning approach toreinforce skills in reading, writing, math, and STEM.
Diplomas to Degrees
A BGCA targeted program that facilitates teens in making connections between their interests and future career paths, planning and preparing to enter post-secondary education, and developing the social-emotional skills and attributes needed to be successful in their educational endeavors.
DIY STEM
A BGCA-curated series of project-based learning modules covering Energy and Electricity, Engineering Design, Food Chemistry, Aeronautics, and Robotics.
Local Partners
The majority of Clubs have established partnerships with Local Education Agencies (LEAs) for this project that will assist through collaboration with teachers, curriculum sharing and/or tutoring to benefit youth participants in need of extra academic support. In addition, K-State Extension Services will provide STEM and educational camp opportunities to project participants.
Career Launch
A newly updated BGCA targeted program in career exploration, featuring staff and mentors guiding teens to explore possible vocations, make sound post-secondary education and training decisions, and develop the soft skills necessary to succeed in the workplace. This program will prepare teens to initiate actions (e.g. goal setting, volunteering and interning) and/or conversations with adults (e.g. school counselors, teachers, parents and other adults) who can help them further their goals.
Money Matters
A newly updated BGCA targeted program in financial literacy for teens that builds knowledge and skills in various aspects of money management, including budgeting, saving, investing, credit and debt, entrepreneurship, and saving for college. Financial skills that will be taught include creating a budget, linking purchase decisions to goals, starting a savings account, saving for postsecondary education, managing a credit card, understanding a paycheck, achieving a good credit score, protecting against identify theft, making a financial plan for the future, and evaluating the pros and cons of financial decisions.
SMART Moves
A newly revised and expanded evidence-informed BGCA targeted program promoting healthy decision-making, with ageappropriate multi-session modules developed by subject matter experts for group learning covering effective communication, refusal skills,emotional wellness, goal setting, healthy friendships and relationships, and substance use/misuse.
Positive Action
An evidence-based targeted social-emotional learning program that increases student engagement in learning and develops positive behavioral skills. Through an age-appropriate series of interactive lessons based on the Thoughts-Actions-Feelings cycle, youth are empowered to identify and choose actions that help them achieve their goals and be responsible community members. Emotional regulation skills help youth cope with their emotions and challenging situations. Positive Action is rated effective in two evidence-based program registries: the OJJDP Model Programs Guide and the NIJ Crime Solutions program registry.
Triple Play
A BGCA evidence-informed health and wellness program developed in collaboration with the US Department of Health & Human Services. Triple Play features three components; the Social Recreation component helps youth build skills in cooperation, sportsmanship, and conflict resolution while enjoying games together. Healthy Habits engages youth in nutrition education and cooking activities. Fitness Challenges engage youth in fun, non-competitive fitness games and tournaments.
Culture
Last but definitely not least our culture. Join as we learn about what makes each one of us special. Learn about our language and our traditions. The things that make each one of us who we are.
Paula Walker
CEO
2169 Iowa Dr.
White Cloud, KS 66094
785-595-3580
pwalker@iowas.org