BIA Afterschool Programs

Mindi the fox stands by Bureau of Indian Affairs seal with icons of a feather, mountains, school, and person inside a circle.
Mindi the fox stands by Bureau of Indian Affairs seal with icons of a feather, mountains, school, and person inside a circle.
Hands-on learning that honors culture and builds confidence.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), through its education arm, the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), supports afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs across Native American communities. These programs aim to provide academic enrichment, cultural preservation, and social development opportunities for Native youth. The BIE oversees a network of schools and dormitories, ensuring that students have access to quality education and supportive services beyond regular school hours.

Afterschool initiatives under the BIA focus on integrating culturally responsive curricula, promoting social-emotional learning (SEL), and preparing students for college and career pathways. By collaborating with tribal governments and communities, the BIA ensures that programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each tribe, addressing challenges such as geographic isolation and limited resources.

How MindWorks Benefits BIA Afterschool Programs

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We believe academic growth and cultural identity go hand in hand. Our kits support tribal educators and youth programs by making learning meaningful, hands-on, and rooted in the strengths of each community.

MindWorks partners with tribal education programs and BIA-supported schools to provide flexible, culturally aware enrichment kits that support academic recovery, early literacy, and STEM access. Whether used in OST programs, tribal youth centers, or community education initiatives, our kits require minimal prep and no certified staff — just trusted adults and a commitment to helping students grow. MindWorks helps tribal educators deliver meaningful learning that builds confidence and supports both academic success and cultural connection.

BIA Afterschool Impact

Afterschool programs supported by the BIA have demonstrated positive outcomes in enhancing academic performance, fostering engagement, and promoting cultural identity among Native American students. These programs play a crucial role in supporting the holistic development of youth in tribal communities.

📚 Academic Outcomes

Students participating in BIA-supported afterschool programs exhibit improved academic performance, particularly in reading and mathematics. These programs provide additional instructional time and resources, helping students meet and exceed educational standards.

🏫 Attendance & Engagement

Afterschool initiatives contribute to increased school attendance and student engagement. By offering engaging activities and a supportive environment, these programs encourage consistent participation and a positive attitude toward learning.

🧠 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

BIA programs incorporate SEL components, helping students develop skills such as emotional regulation, empathy, and resilience. These competencies are essential for personal growth and academic success.

🎓 College & Career Readiness

Through mentorship, career exploration, and skill-building activities, BIA afterschool programs prepare students for post-secondary education and employment opportunities. These programs aim to equip Native youth with the tools necessary for future success.

Sources: Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education

Metro

BIA and BIE collaborate with tribal governments, local providers, and community organizations to deliver culturally relevant OST. Examples include youth centers, culture camps, and tutoring integrated with language preservation efforts. Many OST programs are located at BIE schools or tribal community hubs.

Rural

Most BIA-supported communities are rural or remote. OST delivery models include school-based programs, mobile enrichment, and extended-hour cultural workshops. Broadband and transportation remain significant challenges, partially addressed through federal infrastructure grants.

Federal Funding

BIA and BIE allocate federal funds for tribal education programs, including OST, through programs like Johnson-O'Malley, the Indian Student Equalization Program (ISEP), and school-specific OST funding. BIE schools may also access 21st CCLC, Title I, and ESSER funds.

State Funding

While BIA is federally administered, tribal OST programs may also receive support from state education agencies, county governments, or tribal education departments through interagency partnerships and co-funding agreements.

All Funding Sources

  • BIA/BIE allocations: Johnson-O'Malley, ISEP
  • 21st CCLC, Title I, and ESSER (school-administered)
  • Tribal education grants and federal interagency programs
  • Philanthropy: Native American-focused foundations
  • State-tribal education compacts (where applicable)

Family Involvement

Families should check with their local BIE school or tribal education office. Many OST programs offer meals, language immersion, and cultural activities after school and during summer.

Partner Involvement

Tribal education departments, nonprofit providers, and school districts can partner with BIE schools or apply for 21st CCLC funding serving Native students. Collaboration with tribal councils is essential for program alignment.

BIA Afterschool Resources

Related BIA MindWorks Pages

See the following MindWorks pages for information about states, organizations, or products that may be relevant to BIA.

States

  • New Mexico – Home to numerous tribal communities and OST programs funded or supported through BIA and local partnerships.
  • Arizona – High concentration of BIA-supported schools and OST efforts in tribal regions, particularly Navajo and Hopi lands.
  • Montana – Strong tribal presence with BIA-affiliated schools and OST programs addressing cultural and academic needs.
  • South Dakota – OST programs serve Native youth through BIA and tribal education departments.
  • Oklahoma – Rich tribal history and a high number of Native-serving afterschool initiatives aligned with BIA priorities.

Organizations

  • 4-H – Operates tribal 4-H programs in partnership with BIA and tribal colleges to support Native youth development.
  • Afterschool Alliance – Advocates nationally for increased OST access and funding in tribal communities.
  • Boys & Girls Clubs – BGCA Native Services division partners with BIA to run culturally relevant OST programs on tribal lands.

Products

Our products are designed to support learning that respects tradition and builds opportunity. Whether used in tribal youth programs, BIE-funded schools, or community-based enrichment, MindWorks kits provide hands-on, culturally aware learning that strengthens academic confidence and supports whole-child development.

  • Brain Boost – Strengthens foundational skills in math, science, and literacy with hands-on activities perfect for tribal youth programs or afterschool academic blocks.
  • Cornerstone – Offers theme-based enrichment ideal for summer bridge, seasonal programming, or OST providers serving tribal communities.
  • Imaginate – Encourages creativity and collaboration through STEAM challenges that invite youth to problem-solve and express themselves in culturally affirming ways.
  • Base Camp – Supports early childhood learning with playful, screen-free math and literacy activities — ideal for tribal Head Start, preschool readiness, and family engagement nights.

Interested in bringing hands-on academic enrichment to your tribal school, youth program, or BIA-affiliated site? Contact Us to learn more.