Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Native Services and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) recently announced the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to improve cooperation and enhance educational opportunities for American Indian and Alaska Native youth. This landmark partnership will strengthen existing and establish new Boys & Girls Clubs in or near BIE-funded schools and dormitories, with a shared goal of enriching the lives of Native youth.
The MOA formalizes a commitment to support programs that discourage violence and substance abuse while promoting good citizenship and educational success. This aligns with the long-standing missions of both organizations: to provide quality education and to inspire all young people to realize their full potential.
“For more than 30 years, BGCA has partnered with Tribal communities to provide safe, positive places for Native youth,” said Carla Knapp, National Vice President, BGCA Native Services. “This formal agreement with BIE is a powerful next step. By working directly with BIE schools, we can more effectively reach some of the most disadvantaged students in the country and provide them with the culturally relevant programs and caring adult mentors they need to thrive.”
BIE is responsible for the education of approximately 48,000 American Indian and Alaska Native students across 184 schools. Many of these students face significant difficulties, including poverty and violence. This MOA is a strategic effort to combat these challenges head-on.
“Our mission is to provide quality education that honors the unique cultures and traditions of Indian Tribes and Alaska Native villages,” said Katherine Campbell, Bureau of Indian Education, Program Analyst. “This collaboration with BGCA allows us to provide additional, critical support that addresses the ‘whole person’—supporting students’ physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. We are proud to partner with an organization that shares our deep respect for Tribal sovereignty and community-led solutions.”
Under the new agreement, BGCA Native Services will work with BIE personnel to establish new Clubs in or near BIE-funded schools, offering a range of programs focused on academic achievement, character development, and healthy lifestyles. BGCA will also provide customized, culturally relevant training for BIE school staff. In turn, BIE will work with local school administrators to facilitate the partnership, helping to integrate Club activities into the school setting and providing space for these valuable programs.
This agreement builds on the legacy of BGCA Native Services, which has served as a catalyst for establishing over 250 Clubs for approximately 120,000 Native youth across 29 states since 1992.
