ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Boys & Girls Clubs of the Asheville Region is expanding after-school opportunities for children and families in Asheville, N.C., launching its first program at a local elementary school and planning additional programming for 2027.
The organization also purchased a property in west Asheville that it plans to transform into a permanent clubhouse for youth. The expansion comes as North Carolina faces a shortage of afterschool programs; the 2025 America After 3PM report said nearly four in five children statewide who could benefit from an afterschool program lack access, representing about 664,000 children.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Asheville Region began serving kindergarten through fourth grade students at Woodfin Elementary School on Sept. 8 through a partnership with Buncombe County Schools. The program offers academic support, recreation, creative activities, leadership development and mentorship after the school day ends.
The organization plans to bring neighborhood-based programming to Pisgah View Apartments in early 2027 in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville and other community organizations, seeking resident input on age groups and activities.
Buncombe County Schools is listed among Asheville major employers, and the Woodfin Elementary partnership puts free after-school care inside a county school building rather than only at free-standing clubs. Founding CEO Gretchen Miller said the need for afterschool seats remains large even with many local organizations already at work.
Staff greet students after dismissal, provide snacks and run scheduled activities. Principal Miranda Wheeler said Woodfin Elementary has already seen a positive response from families to the partnership.
