Washington, DC — Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Native Services hosted a ceremonial signing to commemorate the refreshed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between BGCA and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). The gathering, held on February 24, 2026, reaffirmed the shared commitment of both organizations to strengthen academic success and education opportunities for American Indian and Alaska Native youth. Carla Knapp, National Vice President of Native Services at BGCA, presided over the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of sustained partnership and community-led approaches.
“For more than three decades, BGCA has worked alongside Tribal Nations to create safe, culturally grounded spaces for Native youth,” said Knapp. “Today’s ceremonial signing honors our collective responsibility to future generations. This refreshed agreement reflects our shared dedication to strengthening Native youth through programming that uplifts identity, well-being and academic success.”
The renewed MOU reinforces collaboration between BGCA Native Services and BIE to expand and support Boys & Girls Clubs in or near BIE-funded schools and residential campuses. Through this partnership, both organizations aim to increase access to after-school and summer programs that foster academic success, cultural connection, healthy lifestyles and positive identity development.
BIE serves approximately 48,000 American Indian and Alaska Native students across 184 schools. “The Bureau of Indian Education is committed to providing an education that honors Native cultures, languages and sovereignty,” said Tony Dearman, Director at BIE. “This refreshed MOU strengthens our partnership with BGCA and ensures that more Native students can access culturally relevant programming, caring mentors, and opportunities that affirm who they are.”
As part of the agreement, BGCA Native Services will provide an opportunity to partner with BIE school staff to support the development of new Club sites in collaboration with Tribal Nations and local communities. BIE will facilitate local coordination to integrate Club programs into school environments and identify spaces where youth can gather safely.
Since 1992, BGCA Native Services has partnered with Tribal communities to establish more than 250 Boys & Girls Clubs serving approximately 90,000 Native youth across 29 states. The refreshed MOU honors this legacy while creating pathways for future expansion rooted in respect, sovereignty and the strengths of Native youth.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America Native Services
BGCA Native Services supports Boys & Girls Clubs in Native communities by providing culturally relevant programming, training and capacity-building resources. Its mission is to honor Tribal sovereignty and uplift Native youth through programs that nurture their cultural identity, leadership and academic success.
About the Bureau of Indian Education
The Bureau of Indian Education provides education services to American Indian and Alaska Native students through a network of schools and residential facilities operated by Tribes or the federal government. BIE’s mission is to deliver culturally appropriate, high-quality education that supports Tribal self-determination and student well-being.
