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MINGO JUNCTION -- The Sycamore Youth Center is launching its full ICMS Sycamore Stars programming at Indian Creek Middle School, providing students in grades five through eight with free after-school academic support, enrichment activities and opportunities to explore new interests.
Sycamore Stars meets Monday through Thursday from 2:05 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Indian Creek Middle School. Tutoring has already been underway during the new school year, with the expanded schedule of enrichment programming now beginning.
Sycamore staff members met Monday to prepare for the launch and discuss plans for the coming semester.
“We are really excited to get our full programming underway at Indian Creek Middle School,” said Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of the Sycamore Youth Center. “Our goal is to provide students with a positive place to go after school where they can receive help academically, build relationships and have opportunities to discover things they enjoy. We have a great staff and a wide variety of activities planned, and everything is provided free of charge to the students.”
The program combines academics with hands-on enrichment and recreational opportunities. This year’s offerings include cooking, STEM, art, music, PE and basketball, e-sports, board games, math tutoring, VentureLab career readiness and Ancient Hebrew and Greek literature, among other activities.
Through VentureLab, students have opportunities to develop entrepreneurial and career-readiness skills through creative problem-solving, collaboration and hands-on projects. Academic assistance remains an important component of Sycamore Stars, allowing students to receive additional help with their schoolwork while participating in activities designed to make the after-school hours engaging and productive.
The ICMS program is part of the broader work of the Sycamore Youth Center, which provides free educational, recreational and enrichment opportunities for area children and teenagers.
“We want students to look forward to staying after school,” Bauman said. “Whether they enjoy sports, technology, cooking, art, music or just need some extra help with math and their other classes, we want them to find something here that connects with them. Most importantly, we want every student to know they are welcome.”
The program is open to Indian Creek Middle School students in grades five through eight and is offered at no cost to participating families.
Parents and students can learn more about Sycamore’s programs and register online through the classes section of the Sycamore Youth Center website at sycamorecenter.com/classes.