In the Missouri Bootheel, where opportunities are limited and resources are stretched thin, afterschool programs change lives. Portageville’s Bulldog Time afterschool program exemplifies this. Their middle and high school programs provide students with enriching experiences, academic support, and leadership opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise. The impact of afterschool extends far beyond the students who attend; these programs contribute to stronger schools, a more prepared workforce, and a thriving local community.
The Significant Role of Afterschool Funding
Funding is the backbone of afterschool programs, determining whether they’re thriving or surviving. Portageville Elementary’s Bulldog Time program received a 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant, but middle and high school students were left without the same support.
Thanks to the Missouri Comprehensive Afterschool Learning (MOCAL) grant, grades 6–12 have new opportunities for enriching afterschool experiences. Bulldog Time is in its first year of programming for middle and high schoolers and already has high student involvement. MOCAL grant funding has transformed the student experience in their district.
With an established program, they can pursue additional grants, expanding resources and strengthening partnerships. They’ve secured additional funding, including the Building Business/Community Partnership for Afterschool Success Grant and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) grant. Many students rely on free meals at school, especially in areas challenged by food insecurity. Access to meals through CACFP reinforces the importance of nutrition and wellness, ensuring students receive everything they need to thrive academically and socially.
Academic Support and Student Development
Bulldog Time fosters a positive and empowering environment that encourages attendance and active participation. Program Director for the middle and high school sites, Julie Hendrix, shared that they want to offer the kids what they want and need. “We’re prioritizing student voices,” said Hendrix. With students’ and teachers’ interests in mind, the program has created diverse enrichment activities.
STEM and Career-Focused Opportunities
- Welding: This hands-on activity introduces students to technical skills that can lead to career development in manufacturing and engineering.
- Agriculture: As student interest in agriculture grew, Bulldog Time responded by offering agricultural programming. Students gain practical skills for agribusiness, develop leadership and responsibility, and connect with their local community.
- Esports: Students participate in scrimmages and tournaments with nearby schools, learning teamwork, strategy, and digital literacy. Esports also introduces students to scholarship and career opportunities in the growing gaming industry.
Academics and Competitive Learning
- Scholar Bowl: A new addition for students who enjoy academic challenges, Scholar Bowl enhances knowledge across various subjects while sharpening critical thinking, collaboration, and quick decision-making skills.
- Tutoring: Certified teachers provide subject-specific tutoring, ensuring students receive personalized academic support.
Creative and Performing Arts
- Theater: High school students performed A Charlie Brown Christmas, producing their first school play in decades. Students developed skills in performance arts, teamwork, and creative expression.
- Dungeons & Dragons (D&D): Added this year, D&D has quickly become a favorite. This role-playing game fosters creativity, strategic thinking, and teamwork.
Youth Leadership and Engagement
- Voice of The Youth: Three Bulldog Time students were selected to participate in this statewide leadership and advocacy program, where they develop public speaking and civic engagement skills.
- Mizzen Activities: These interactive activities align with afterschool best practices, offering engaging lessons that help students build new skills in a fun, structured way.
Field Trips and Special Events
- Middle School & High School Leadership Summits (Drury University, Springfield, MO): Students went above and beyond while participating in a pitch challenge focusing on safety, later taking the initiative to share their ideas and solutions with their school administrators.
- Youth Advocacy Summit: Art and Advocacy at the Capitol (Jefferson City, MO): Students learned about participation in government and civic engagement through collaboration with a musician and visual artist. Despite being new to these creative fields, students showcased remarkable talent, earning recognition and awards for their artwork. Their achievements highlight their dedication and impact of afterschool opportunities in fostering new skills, confidence, and success in unfamiliar areas.
- Career Day: Bulldog Time hosted its first-ever Career Day, welcoming 15 local professionals, including parents of students. Students were able to explore career paths, ask questions, and gain insight into future opportunities.
- Discovery Park of America (Union City, TN): Students with consistent attendance were taken on a trip to this interactive museum, where they explored science, history, and technology in hands-on exhibits that reinforced their classroom learning.
Field trips and events play a crucial role in student motivation and engagement. To encourage academic success, the district requires students to maintain passing grades to join field trips. “When I say there’s a field trip, anyone with a failing grade gets it up within the week,” said Hendrix.
Engaging Parents and Communities
In addition to student enrichment, Bulldog Time serves as a bridge between the school and the broader community. Historically, families in the area faced challenges staying engaged with the school, but the afterschool program works to foster trust and involvement. Parents are encouraged to visit, volunteer, and participate in family engagement events.
For many families, work schedules and limited opportunities for engagement have made it difficult to be involved in school activities. Bulldog Time is working to eliminate this by hosting events at convenient times, providing food, and creating a space where parents feel valued and included.
Events like the new Bulldog Time Bonfire allow parents to connect with their children’s learning experiences, engage with educators, and build relationships within the community. These gatherings create a welcoming environment where families can celebrate their students’ growth while having fun together. “We have parents showing up who never used to come to school events,” Hendrix said.
Beyond afterschool involvement, Bulldog Time partners with the Delta Area Economic Opportunity Center (DAEOC), giving parents access to educational classes and job training while their children are in a safe, supportive environment. “We’re seeing parents take steps to improve their situations—whether that’s looking for new job opportunities, working toward financial stability, or learning skills to support their families,” Hendrix said.
Breaking Down Rural Barriers
Rural communities face unique challenges in providing afterschool programming. Despite overwhelming demand—cost, availability, and transportation remain some of the biggest roadblocks for families in rural areas. America After 3PM reports, “Increasing barriers to participation and a growing recognition of the benefits of afterschool are driving unmet demand.”
Bulldog Time has taken intentional steps to address these challenges. With state funding, there are no attendance costs, making the program accessible to all families. This support has also allowed them to expand programming to all grade levels, including the students they serve from nearby private schools. Transportation has been another major hurdle they’ve overcome by adding busing for afterschool students. “The transportation piece has been a key point for us,” said Hendrix, highlighting the significance between transportation and participation.
Mental Health and Personal Development
At Bulldog Time, health and personal development are at the heart of everything they do. In addition to directing the Bulldog Time program for grades 6–12, Hendrix is a counselor, bringing a deep understanding of students’ mental health needs to the program. Her commitment to helping students build confidence, resilience, and self-awareness is reinforced by the afterschool educators who make the program possible.
This approach aligns with the Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA), which advocates for increased mental health education. MSTA emphasizes the importance of teaching self-care strategies, fostering open communication, and equipping students with tools to navigate challenges—key components of Bulldog Time’s commitment to student well-being. By integrating these principles, the program supports students’ mental health and helps them build the resilience and interpersonal skills necessary for future personal and workforce success.
Bulldog Time uses the Second Step and Caring School Community curriculums, adapting lessons to fit student needs. They foster important job skills through:
Leadership opportunities, where students develop confidence, responsibility, and teamwork—essential for career success
Collaboration with school-day teachers, ensuring afterschool learning reinforces strong work ethic, discipline, and academic excellence
Engaging activities that help students build critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills—all highly valued by employers
Future Growth
Building on their strong foundation of academic support and community engagement, Bulldog Time continues to explore new opportunities. They are looking into:
- Drones for their program, allowing students to earn their FAA certification.
- Credit recovery options for students who have dropped out or been expelled, allowing them to earn credits during Bulldog Time and re-enroll in school.
- A back-to-school social, supported by an afterschool enrichment grant. Offering an opportunity for parents to socialize with teachers and families in the district and learn about the afterschool program.
Afterschool Impact
No matter their background or circumstances, every student deserves the chance to learn, grow, and build a brighter future. Portageville School District has created a safe space where students thrive and gain new opportunities while supporting working families.
Sustaining high-quality afterschool programs requires ongoing support. When we invest in afterschool, we invest in Missouri’s future—strengthening our workforce, supporting families, and building a stronger economy. Whether you’re a parent, educator, business leader, or community member, your support makes a difference. Support afterschool programs today.
- Afterschool Committees
- Sign Up for MASN Newsletter
- Peer Learning Communities
- Donate Now to Afterschool in Missouri
- Yearly Lights on Afterschool Day in October
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