John A. Logan College, Boys & Girls Club Partner to Offer Free After-School Program for Student Families
Published on July 8, 2026
John A. Logan College and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Illinois have partnered to provide free after-school and evening programming for children of John A. Logan College students beginning this fall.
The new Community Impact Program will operate at the Robert L. Mees Centre on the JALC campus and is designed to help student parents balance the demands of higher education while ensuring their children have access to a safe, supportive environment after school.
The program will begin Aug. 17, the first day of the College’s fall semester, and will operate Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Programming will not be offered on days when the college is closed, or classes are not in session.
The initiative will serve up to 16 school-aged children, ages 6 to 18, whose parents are enrolled at John A. Logan College. Eligible students must be enrolled in at least three credit hours during the semester. There is no cost to participate.
The partnership is intended to remove barriers that often prevent student parents from completing their educational goals while providing meaningful opportunities for their children to learn and grow.
College officials said the partnership reflects John A. Logan College’s continued commitment to supporting students’ needs, both inside and outside the classroom, by providing resources that encourage student success and persistence toward graduation.
“We are so excited about this program and to continue our collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Illinois,” said John A. Logan College President Dr. Kirk Overstreet. “This will be extremely beneficial to our students, particularly those in our evening nursing cohort who are trying to balance family and school.”
Youth enrolled in the program will participate in activities based on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Illinois’ nationally recognized core program areas, including education and career development through homework assistance, tutoring and STEM activities; health and wellness with nutrition education, physical activity and the Healthy Habits curriculum; character and leadership development through leadership clubs and service-learning projects; arts programming featuring creative expression, digital media and music; and sports, fitness and recreation.
In addition to academic support and enrichment activities, participants will have access to positive adult mentors and structured programming designed to promote personal growth, healthy lifestyles, and overall well-being.
Space in the program is limited. Additional information about eligibility and enrollment will be available through John A. Logan College Student Services and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Illinois before the start of the fall semester. For additional information about the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Illinois, visit gbcsi.org or call 618-457-8877.