Fort Smith youth to benefit from new teen center, enrichment programs

Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs has secured a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant to launch a Teen Center at the Future School of Fort Smith, set to open in fall 2025. This center will serve students in grades 8-12, providing essential programs in academic support, college readiness, and social-emotional learning. Open to all Fort Smith students, the initiative aims to engage youth from public, private, and homeschool backgrounds. The Arkansas Department of Education awarded the grant to enhance after-school and summer programs. Beth Presley, CEO of the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs, stated that the center will create a safe and empowering environment for teens.

Boyd Logan, co-founder of Future School, expressed excitement about realizing a vision for community service beyond traditional school hours. The Teen Center will include mentorship, tutoring, and access to mental health resources, ensuring comprehensive support for local youth. This initiative exemplifies the community's commitment to fostering academic and personal development among its teens.