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YWCA after-school programming expands to Bloomington Junior High

Diana Odom is the senior director of the Young Wonders program at YWCA McLean County.
Braden Fogerson
/
WGLT
Diana Odom is the senior director of the Young Wonders program at YWCA McLean County.

Registration is underway for a new after-school program coming to Bloomington Junior High School.

YWCA McLean County is launching the program for 6th through 8th grade students beginning in the 2025-26 school year. It will operate from school dismissal through 5:30, with focus on social-emotional learning, career and skills exploration, financial literacy and other forms of daily enrichment such as homework help and healthy snacks.

“There is an unmet need in this community that focuses on those pivotal young adulthood life skills,” said Diana Odom, senior director of the YWCA Young Wonders program.

BJHS had an on-campus after-school program provided by the Bloomington-Normal Boys and Girls Club until it was moved to its clubhouse. This program fills that gap and adds to the list of District 87 schools with YWCA after-school programs. It is the first at a level higher than elementary school. Other schools include Bent, Washington, Sheridan, Stevenson, Irving and Oakland Elementary.

The program will look different at the middle school level. Existing programs have focused more on homework help, crafts and socializing activities. The one at BJHS will introduce the students to aspects of career preparedness: job interviews, high school and college recruiters, smart spending, and understanding credit.

“We have had current clients that are excited to continue on outside of just our elementary school before and after-care program into middle school, because they do see it to be a thriving organization and program that their kids are happy to come be a part of,” said Odom.

While YWCA's mission is aimed at empowering women, the after-school program will be open to all in BJHS. Odom said the curriculum is based on area of interest, rather than gender identity or sex.

“After-school programming is essential for young adults of all ages,” said Odom. “Because it not only gives them a secure, nurturing environment, it will help limit the screen use of just passively doomscrolling, but also prepare them for nurturing, self confident and responsible behavior as contributing members of the community.”

Up to 30 students can join. Tuition is $18 per day, per child for the after-school course. Optional full-day care will be offered on most school break days. Scholarships and Illinois Child Care Assistance Program [CCAP] subsidies are accepted to ensure accessibility.

Odom said the YWCA is focused on making the program work at BJHS first, but if it goes well it could expand to other schools as well.

Braden Fogerson is a correspondent at WGLT. Braden is the station's K-12 education beat reporter.