New Boys & Girls club to be added to George McGovern Middle School

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire and the Sioux Falls School District are adding the city’s first Boys & Girls club onto a middle school.

The club will be built onto George McGovern Middle School in northwest Sioux Falls and serve hundreds of students and their families after school, on non-school days and weekdays during the summer.

The donor-funded club will be more than 16,000 square feet and include:

• A STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, music) classroom
•  An innovation lab
• A teaching kitchen
• A full-sized gymnasium
• Social spaces

“We already have an incredible teen program, from academic support and mentorship to recreational activities and career guidance, that we’ll soon be able to offer in this new building attached to the middle school,” Stacy Jones, CEO for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire, said in a statement.

“We’ll truly be meeting the students where they are at and delivering the same great support with innovative programs, such as STEAM, culinary, healthy lifestyles, tutoring, athletic camps, taekwondo, volunteering, community partnerships and workforce development, including career exploration using virtual reality goggles, mentorships and so much more. And as part of this program, we include meals and snacks too.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire and the Sioux Falls School District “recognized the barriers some middle school students face when accessing quality programming for out-of-school hours and looked for a solution to serve more local youth,” the two said in a joint statement.

“This project will transform the way the two organizations can serve students, foster their growth and prepare them for a successful future.”

There are proven outcomes from similar clubs around the country, which have shown an impact on eliminating challenges for families including lack of transportation and financial means to access community programs and resources.

“We are truly changing the landscape of free-time for preteens and teens in Sioux Falls. We are excited about this development and so grateful to our philanthropic community partners for stepping up to share the vision for quality, structured, after-school programs,” Superintendent Jane Stavem said.

“Their support means that, together, we can offer students expanded learning and enrichment, leadership opportunities and family support to build lasting benefits for the city of Sioux Falls.”

Construction on the new club at George McGovern Middle School is expected to begin in the spring with an opening by fall 2025.