Bloomington-Normal, IL – YWCA McLean County is launching a new after-school program for 6th through 8th grade students at Bloomington Junior High School beginning in the 2025–2026 school year. This essential new offering fills a major gap in services for middle school students, an age group with very few after-school care options. Despite DCFS care being regulated through age twelve, the state of Illinois requires children to be 14 in order to be home alone — higher than any other state in the country. 

“District 87 is excited to expand our after school partnership with the YWCA,” said Dr. Nicole Rummel, District 87 Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning. “By providing an onsite after school program at the junior high next year, YWCA is not only creating a safe option for junior high students after school, but also enabling them to participate in after school activities on campus.” 

Operating every full school day from dismissal until 5:30 p.m., the YWCA BJHS after-school program is designed to support academic success, social development, and future readiness in a fun, safe, and enriching environment. Families can expect programming that includes: 

• Social-Emotional Learning – conflict resolution, self-advocacy and goal-setting 
• Healthy Relationships – communication skills, personal boundaries and peer dynamics 
• Financial Foundations – banking basics, smart spending, saving, and understanding credit 
• Career & Skills Exploration – exposure to tech, entrepreneurship, public service and more 
• Daily enrichment – homework help, art/STEM projects, team games and healthy snacks 

At just $18 per student, per day, the program is an affordable solution to a widespread community need. Optional, full-day care will be offered on most school-break days, and scholarships and Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) subsidies are accepted to ensure accessibility. 

“There’s a major service gap for youth in this age group – they’re too old for traditional childcare yet too young to be left unsupervised,” said Liz German, President and CEO of YWCA McLean County. “We designed this program to meet real needs in our community—helping young teens build life skills, gain confidence, and stay safe and engaged during critical after-school hours.” 

Space in the BJHS program is limited to 30 students. Families seeking special needs care for children up to age 12 will be served at YWCA’s Hershey Rd. location by staff trained to meet individual needs. For more information or to express interest in the BJHS program, visit www.ywcamclean.org/waitlist or call 309-662-0461. 

YWCA McLean County has been providing before- and after-school care in the Bloomington-Normal community for nearly 40 years. Registration is now open for the 2025-26 school year for District 87 elementary students – visit Before and After School | YWCA McLean County for details. 

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YWCA McLean County has been supporting women, children, and families in our community for nearly 115 years. YWCA McLean County is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. For information on programs serving infants to seniors, please visit www.ywcamclean.org.