Federal partners play a vital and valued role in supporting the mission of BGCA Native Services. Their continued investment and collaboration make it possible for us to expand access to high-quality, culturally relevant Club programs that positively impact the lives of Indigenous youth across the country. With their support, we are able to foster safe, supportive environments where Native youth can grow, thrive and build great futures.
AmeriCorps VISTA
Through BGCA Native Services’ partnership with AmeriCorps VISTA, the VISTA project seeks to strengthen communities by aligning with the traditional Native practice of investing in young people. This project recruits young adults from Native communities to serve as VISTAs, including young adult alumni of Native Clubs. The priorities of Native Clubs’ outcomes align with the strategic plan of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) AmeriCorps VISTA initiative, which focuses specifically in the areas of addressing the impact of poverty on communities. Through the engagement of local Club alumni and other community members as VISTAs, this program creates opportunities for career readiness and educational attainment for Native youth.
Bureau of Indian Education
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between BGCA and its local affiliates in Indian Country and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) will allow collaboration to enrich the lives of Native youth by supporting programs that discourage violence and drug abuse, while encouraging good citizenship and educational accomplishments. The goal of this partnership is to use the strengths and expertise of both organizations to improve and enhance the educational well-being of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth attending BIE funded schools and dormitories.
Indian Health Service (IHS)
Indian Health Service (IHS) supports youth health in Native communities through programs such as On the T.R.A.I.L. to Diabetes Prevention and Catch My Breath. T.R.A.I.L. combines nutrition, physical activity, and cultural education to prevent Type 2 diabetes, integrating BGCA strategies and Native traditions. Catch My Breath is a vaping and tobacco prevention program that empowers youth through peer influence and interactive learning. IHS supports 20 Native Clubs in implementing this curriculum through funding, training and technical assistance. These initiatives promote healthy decision-making and reflect BGCA’s commitment to improving wellness in Native youth through culturally grounded prevention efforts.
OJJDP
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP)’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) supports BGCA through grants that allow us to strengthen, expand, and implement youth mentoring activities and youth development programming.
