From Cubs to Confident:

Mobridge Tiger Kids

South Dakota Fund Grant

Across the state, there is a tremendous need for engaging and affordable childcare options after school, not just for working parents and guardians, but for the young minds these programs nurture.

The Tiger Kids Afterschool Program in Mobridge is one such initiative. Tiger Kids was created in partnership with Mobridge Community Development Corporation (MCDC), Mobridge-Pollock Public School District and other regional partners. SDCF awarded $20,000 from the South Dakota Fund grant program to support the program’s start-up costs.

Mobridge has had after school programs in the past, but they were dependent on grants through the school system. Unfortunately, once funding dried up, so did the programs. The new Tiger Kids families who love these little ones, thank you for your commitment to improving lives in Mobridge and across South Dakota.”

Afterschool Program is set to break this cycle, relying on a sustainable model of tuition and annual fundraising events.

Working parents rely on after school childcare. Tiger Kids in Mobridge caters to students K-5 and fills a much-needed gap in available care options for the community. In their programming, Tiger Kids prioritizes five components: social-emotional learning, creative arts, environmental science and STEM; developing skills for the future and service learning.

“The community of Mobridge is clearly committed to supporting childcare in their community, one way or the other,” said Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer. “SDCF is proud to support their clear investment in making the Tiger Kids Afterschool Program sustainable.”

“The support of SDCF means the world to our organization,” said Haden Merkel, MCDC President. “Because of SDCF's generosity, our organization has the opportunity to improve the lives of local elementary school children by providing safe, affordable after school care. On behalf of Tiger Kids and all the

Tiger Kids activities include educational and fun games, such as this play farmers market stand.

Tiger Kids not only addresses the immediate need for afterschool care but also aims to create a vibrant and enriching environment for children to thrive. With the backing of SDCF, Tiger Kids is well on its way to sustaining afternoon childcare for their community.