Nestled in the heart of downtown New Braunfels, the Mill Street Youth Center, located at the intersection of Mill Street and Academy Avenue, is making significant progress toward opening its doors to local youth.

Since its groundbreaking ceremony in October, which marked the start of the first phase of the project, the New Braunfels Youth Collaborative (NBYC) has made tremendous strides in renovating the gymnasium, repairing the foundation, and revamping the building’s interior.

Set to open in early May, the gymnasium has already seen substantial improvements, including HVAC, ADA compliance, new basketball hoops, a new scoreboard, and an updated fitness room with new equipment. With 40% of the gym complete, the NBYC is excited to continue its progress and open the gym doors this spring.

In just three months since the groundbreaking, the Mill Street Youth Center building is already 20% complete. The NBYC is currently focusing on foundation repair and stabilization, demolition, and asbestos removal. Following these improvements, the NBYC will begin working on HVAC replacements, ADA-compliant restrooms, a floor plan remodel, and a complete renovation of the bottom and first floors.

The Mill Street Youth Center is expected to be completed in early 2026.

Construction isn’t the only area where the NBYC has made progress. With the recent hire of Program Director Daniel O’Quinn, he and the Youth Advisory Council have been developing summer programs for the gymnasium. They are also planning a big summer bash event to kick off summer in early June.

Upon completion, the Youth Center will provide a safe environment for students in grades 6th through 12th, offering them the tools to grow, connect, and excel.

“The Mill Street Youth Center will fill a gap in our community by offering a wide range of high-quality programming during out-of-school hours,” said Executive Director Stacey Dicke. “This project preserves the history of the New Braunfels High School and ISD Education Center, while also providing a place for teens to thrive.

According to Dicke, the Youth Center will feature study rooms, a recording studio, an esports gaming area, a culinary kitchen, SAT prep, career development programs, tutoring, and several youth-focused programs.

As the project continues to progress, the NBYC is excited to breathe new life into the building, preserving the past while shaping a vibrant future for local youth.

For more information or to donate to the project, please visit www.thenbyc.com. Checks may also be sent to 801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX 78130.

The New Braunfels Youth Collaborative (NBYC) is gearing up to hold its groundbreaking celebration for the Mill Street Youth Center.

More than just a preservation project, restoring the former New Braunfels High School and New Braunfels ISD Education Center at 430 W. Mill Street is an investment in our community’s future.

Kicking off the first phase of the project, the NBYC will hold its groundbreaking ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, October 18th at 430 W. Mill Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Phase 1 includes gymnasium renovations and foundation repairs and demolition inside the building.

The Mill Street Youth Center will create opportunities for students to build connections with peers, caring adults, and our local community; explore interests, develop skills, and embrace new experiences; strengthen physical, mental, and emotional wellness; and pursue academic success and visioning for their futures, while enjoying a safe space to relax, have fun, and be themselves.

Nestled in the heart of downtown, the building also stands as a testament to the city’s rich educational history. Restoring the iconic building as the Mill Street Youth Center will preserve the past and shape a vibrant future. By repurposing this site as a dynamic space for teens, the NBYC honors its legacy and will breathe new life into the building, ensuring that it once again becomes a central, positive force in our community.

San Antonio-based Metropolitan Contracting Company (METRO) is the General Contractor charged with the construction of the New Braunfels Youth Collaborative facility.

“The Historic building of 430 W. Mill Street is more than just a preservation project to METRO; it’s an investment in New Braunfels Youth to build a stronger community. In collaboration for this mission, several community leaders have meticulously planned this facility, and we are all honored to break ground and take this from a vision to a community landmark.” said Chief Executive Officer Jane Feigenbaum, Chief Executive Officer.

Designed to be a vibrant and dynamic environment for students aged 12 to 18, the Mill Street Youth Center will offer a range of high-quality programming during out-of-school hours. “The Mill Street Youth Center will fill a gap in our community by offering teens a place to connect, grow, and thrive. This project is not only transformational for our community by modeling that our youth are worth investing in, but it also preserves the history of the New Braunfels High School and New Braunfels ISD Education Center,” said NBYC Board Chair Gary Seals.

The NBYC invites the public to join in on the celebration and to attend the groundbreaking on October 18, taking one step closer to fostering a better future for our youth.

To donate or for more information about the Mill Street Youth Center or the NBYC, please click here.

The New Braunfels Youth Collaborative (NBYC) is gearing up for two exciting fundraising events as they edge closer to their goal of a $15 million renovation of the historic New Braunfels High School into the Mill Street Youth Center.

On Thursday, September 12, the NBYC will host TeeUp for Teens Celebrity Dinner and Reflections. This event offers the public an opportunity to spend an evening with celebrity athletes, enjoy a served dinner, and listen to a live panel discussion featuring the celebrities.

Among the 18 celebrities attending, the panel will feature Pro Football Hall of Famer Robert Brazile, former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Dat Nguyen, current coach for the San Antonio Brahmas Wade Philips, and former quarterback for the Houston Oilers Dan Pastorini. The panel will be moderated by award-winning American sportswriter John McClain.

NBYC is offering Celebrity Host Tables, where seven guests and a celebrity will share the table, along with a VIP reception prior to the event, wine service, and acknowledgment at the event and on NBYC media channels. Additionally, Friends of NBYC tables are available for groups of eight, providing reserved seating, as well as individual tickets with open seating.

The event is scheduled to take place at the McKenna Events Center on September 12 at 5:30 pm.

The following day, the New Braunfels Youth Collaborative will hold the TeeUp for Teens Celebrity Golf Tournament. Playing in the tournament will be 18 celebrity athletes, including those from the panel, as well as former NFL wide receiver Doug Donley, three-time Olympic medalist Cat Osterman, and former MLB starting pitcher Shane Reynolds, and more.

The golf tournament is set for September 13 at 8:30 am at the Land Park Golf Course. It will be a four-person scramble format and will offer not only the chance to meet and play alongside these celebrity athletes, but will also include breakfast, lunch, and cash prizes.

Participants can register as a foursome or as a trio accompanied by a celebrity.

Registration and sponsorship details for both events can be found at www.thenbyc.com/golf-tournament/.

Sponsoring or participating in these events will help raise funds for the Mill Street Youth Center, located at the intersection of Mill Street and Academy Avenue. Upon completion, the Youth Center will provide a safe environment for students in grades 6th through 12th to grow, connect, and excel.

The center is expected to be completed by Fall 2025 and will feature study rooms, a recording studio, a refurbished gym, an esports gaming area, and a culinary teaching kitchen. It will also offer homework help, SAT prep, and various other programs tailored for local youth.

For donations, registration forms, sponsorships, or further information, please visit www.thenbyc.com. Checks may also be sent to 801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX 78130.

The New Braunfels Youth Collaborative (NBYC) has raised 65% of the funds needed for a $15 million renovation to the historic New Braunfels High School, located at the intersection of Mill Street and Academy Ave.

Studies indicate that 18% of middle school-aged students and 35% of high school students are unsupervised after school hours. 43% of local students are facing economic challenges, with 21% unable to afford participation in afterschool activities. With this in mind, the NBYC is dedicated to providing out-of-school support for youth to foster their personal and educational growth.

To determine the necessity for a new communal space conducive to socializing, learning, and growth, the NBYC surveyed local youth. The findings revealed that 70% of students would utilize a local youth center.

Upon completion, the Mill Street Youth Center located at 430 W. Mill Street will boast study rooms, a recording studio, a culinary teaching kitchen, a renovated gym, and an esports gaming area. Furthermore, the center will offer SAT preparation, homework assistance, and a variety of other youth-oriented programs. This renovation will ensure the preservation of the building, which is over 100 years old and a registered historic landmark.

The youth center will be accessible to all students, grades 6th through 12th. Afterschool meals and snacks will also be provided to youth.

Additionally, the building will house offices for partners Communities in Schools and NBISD School of Choice.

The NBYC has secured a 50-year lease agreement with NBISD, intending to foster proactive values, social skills, and a positive learning outlook. They have raised $9.8 million through fundraising efforts toward the $15 million target. Various entities, including the Moody Foundation, Kronkosky Foundation, Communities in Schools, the New Braunfels Economic Development Foundation, American Rescue Plan Funding, United Way, and the McKenna Foundation, have contributed to the fundraising efforts.

Anticipating the completion of renovations by Fall 2025, the New Braunfels Youth Collaborative continues to welcome contributions and donations. To support youth in our community and contribute to the Mill Street Youth Center project, please visit www.thenbyc.com. Checks may also be sent to 801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX 78130.

November 23, 2023

The New Braunfels Youth Collaborative will be using the Mill Street building to house its programs, returning the building to its original purpose of serving students. They have finished the schematic design phase of the building renovations and are looking toward construction.

Read more here.

Visit the NBYC website at thenbyc.com.

September 27, 2023: Big Brothers Big Sisters helps children realize their potential and build their futures. And they need your help.

With 20 children in Comal and Guadalupe counties awaiting a match, volunteer mentors are needed more than ever.

Some kids today are growing up without the support and guidance they need to be successful. Without access to positive role models, they often fall prey to the dysfunctional cycles of poverty, delinquency, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, failure and incarceration.

The Comal & Guadalupe counties branch of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas is inviting potential mentors to find out more about the program during a mixer with free bowling and food on Oct. 4 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Downtown Social, located at 386 West San Antonio St. in New Braunfels.

“We have expanded our staff to accommodate the increased need for services over the last year,” said Rianne Sykes-Wenske, director of the Comal & Guadalupe counties branch. “Even more families are reaching out, and we are committed to supporting them – which requires more volunteers. This event will help us get the word out and share more about the magic that happens when a child gets matched with their mentor. Come out and have some fun with us.”

The program in Comal and Guadalupe counties has seen remarkable success in the last two years. According to Sykes-Wenske, 100% of the matches are still together after one year. Additionally, 100% of students in the program saw promotion to the next school grade level in the last year.

The movement started in 1904 when Ernest Coulter, a New York City juvenile court clerk, observed how many fatherless boys came through his courtroom and recognized they needed a positive adult role model to help them stay out of trouble. He recruited the first 50 volunteers, marking the beginning of the Big Brothers movement.

The Comal & Guadalupe counties branch started in 2001 to change the lives of children for the better, forever.

For more information and to RSVP for the Oct. 4 event, visit https://rb.gy/8ry4r or email rsykes-wenske@bigmentor.org.