THE ISSUE
Youth today are facing unprecedented academic, social, and emotional challenges. Yet, the majority of after-school programs remain focused on elementary-aged children, leaving middle and high school students without the after-school support they need.
According to the After School Alliance, only 10% of 6-12 grade youth are involved in an after-school program, and in New Braunfels, approximately 27% of students are likely alone between 3 PM and 6 PM.
This gap presents an urgent need to expand accessibility and affordability to afterschool programs that offer homework help, mentorship, and engaging activities. Programs that don’t just fill time, but build confidence, foster connection, and help young people thrive.
The Inspiration
To address these needs, the McKenna Foundation led the formation of the New Braunfels Youth Collaborative (NBYC), a dedicated nonprofit focused on enriching out-of-school time for young people in our community. Through the development of the Mill Street Gym and Youth Center, NBYC empowers youth to thrive–offering low-barrier programs and activities tailored for 6-12 grade students.
