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- By Native News Online Staff
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Native Services held a ceremonial signing during National Days of Advocacy to mark the renewal of its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), part of the U.S. Department of the Interior. The event, held February 24, 2026, reaffirmed both organizations’ shared commitment to advancing academic achievement and expanding educational opportunities for American Indian and Alaska Native youth. Carla Knapp, National Vice President of Native Services at BGCA, led the ceremony and underscored the value of long-term partnership and community-driven strategies.
“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 strengthens collaboration between BGCA Native Services and BIE to grow and sustain Boys & Girls Clubs located in or near BIE-funded schools and residential campuses. Through this partnership, the organizations aim to broaden access to after-school and summer programming that supports academic success, cultural engagement, 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 of 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.”
Under the agreement, BGCA Native Services will collaborate with BIE school staff, Tribal Nations and local communities to support the development of new Club sites. BIE will assist with local coordination to integrate Club programming into school settings and identify safe, dedicated spaces for youth.
Since 1992, BGCA Native Services has worked with Tribal communities to establish more than 250 Boys & Girls Clubs, serving approximately 90,000 Native youth across 29 states. The renewed MOU builds on this legacy while paving the way for continued expansion grounded in respect, sovereignty and the strengths of Native youth.
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