New program will serve Yorktown students in grades 6–8 beginning in
January 2027
By Dominic Bordenaro, Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls
Clubs —
MUNCIE, IN —Yorktown Community Schools, Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie, and Yorktown Methodist Church are partnering to launch a new afterschool program for Yorktown students in grades 6–8 beginning in January 2027.
The partnership grew out of conversations between Yorktown Community Schools,
Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie, and Yorktown Methodist Church about the need for
additional opportunities for Yorktown middle school students after the school day ends.
Leaders from all three organizations began discussing the need several months ago
and have worked together to develop a program that will give students a safe and
consistent place to go while providing opportunities for academic support, career
exploration, leadership development, enrichment, recreation, and positive relationships
with caring adults.
“We are excited to be working with Yorktown Community Schools and Yorktown
Methodist Church to bring this opportunity to students,” said Dominic Bordenaro, CEO
of Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie. “From our early conversations, it was clear that the
school and Boys & Girls Clubs were seeing the same need. We both wanted to find a
way to give middle school students a place to go after school where they could be
supported, have opportunities to grow, and build relationships with adults who care
about their future.”
The program is being supported through a $50,000 Opportunity to Learn Grant
sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company and awarded through Yorktown Community
Schools. Yorktown Methodist Church is providing space for the program at no cost,
giving the new program a home in the Yorktown community.
“We appreciate the willingness of Yorktown Community Schools to work with us to find
a solution for students, and we are grateful to Yorktown Methodist Church for opening
its doors to the program,” Bordenaro said. “The school system knows its students and
families better than anyone, Boys & Girls Clubs brings experience in creating safe and
engaging afterschool environments, and the church is helping make sure we have a
place in the community to do this work. Bringing those strengths together gives us a
great starting point.”
The initial program will serve up to 30 students and will focus on the needs of middle
school youth. Students will have opportunities to receive homework and academic
assistance, explore careers, participate in enrichment activities, develop leadership
skills, and connect with local adults and businesses.
Planned programming includes:
• Academic and homework support
• Career exploration and workforce readiness
• Leadership development
• STEM and other enrichment activities
• Financial literacy and life skills
• Recreation and physical activity
• Community service
• Connections with local businesses and community leaders
• Opportunities to build positive relationships with caring adults
The three organizations will also work with local businesses, parents, and other
community members through a Yorktown Community Advisory Committee. The
committee will provide local perspective and help connect the program with resources,
businesses, families, and other community partners.
The need for the program became apparent through conversations about what happens
to middle school students after the school day ends. For families whose work schedules
extend beyond the school day, finding a safe and affordable place for their children to
go can be difficult. The new program will give families another option while giving
students a place where they can spend their afternoons productively.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie will continue working over the coming months to finalize
the daily schedule, staffing, enrollment process, and programming ahead of the January launch.
Community Members Can Get Involved
The new Yorktown program is part of Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie’s broader work to
create opportunities for young people throughout the community.
Community members interested in learning more about the organization and its
programs are invited to attend the Great Futures Showcase on November 5 at 11:30
a.m. The annual luncheon will highlight the impact of Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie and
the young people who participate in its programs.
The three partners will also host a Yorktown community event later this year to give
local families, businesses, and community members an opportunity to learn more about
the new program and how they can get involved. Details about that event will be
announced at a later date.
Information about student enrollment and additional opportunities for local businesses
and community members to support the program will also be shared as those details
are finalized.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie
Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie inspires and enables all young people, especially those
who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible
citizens. The organization provides young people with safe places, caring adults, and
opportunities to learn, grow, and prepare for their futures.
For more information, visit bgcmuncie.org.
