~ Juneau, Alaska- Tlingit & Haida and the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) have announced a new partnership to expand early childhood education and youth development opportunities in the city. The partnership, which was finalized through a lease agreement, will bring together three Head Start classrooms, LEARN programs, and youth services under one roof at Floyd Dryden Middle School.

Construction and remodeling of the new space are currently underway and are expected to be completed by January 2026. The updated facility will provide a welcoming and child-centered environment designed to support high-quality education and holistic youth programming for families in Juneau.

President Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson of Tlingit & Haida expressed his gratitude towards CBJ for working collaboratively to create a unified space for learning and growth. He stated that this partnership represents a shared commitment to Tribal citizen children and their futures. He also emphasized that investing in youth is investing in the strength and resilience of the community.

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Mayor Beth Weldon also highlighted the importance of community partnerships in expanding access to education and youth resources. She stated that providing quality early education and youth programming is a shared goal that benefits the entire community. By working together, they are ensuring that families have access to the resources and support their children need to succeed.

The lease agreement ensures that Floyd Dryden Middle School continues to be an active part of the community. The building will soon be home to Tlingit & Haida's early education and youth services while maintaining community access to shared spaces. However, the gymnasium will remain available for scheduled programming and public use through CBJ Parks and Recreation's regular scheduling process.

The Floyd Dryden site will serve as a central hub for Tlingit & Haida's growing number of youth services, including three Head Start classrooms promoting school readiness for eligible children aged 3-5 years old (Head Start Pre-School) and 18 months to 3 years old (Early Head Start). It will also house Little Eagles and Raven's Nest, a licensed childcare center for children aged 0-6 years old, Haa Yoo X̲'atángi Kúdi, a pre-kindergarten Lingít language immersion nest program for tribal citizen children aged 3-5 years old, Wayfinders Mentoring and Life Skills programming for Alaska Native and American Indian youth in grades 9-12, Youth Wellness & Prevention initiatives, and the future Native Boys & Girls Club for youth aged 6-18 and the broader Juneau community.

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Jasmine James, Tlingit & Haida Youth Engagement Manager, stated that their programs such as Wayfinders, Wellness, and the Native Boys & Girls Club all work towards the same goal of helping youth discover their strengths and lead with confidence. She added that they are investing in the next generation of leaders who will carry forward their values, culture, and community pride.

Bringing early education and youth programs together under one roof strengthens Tlingit & Haida's ability to support children and families from early learning through adolescence. This project reflects both partners' long-term vision of fostering education, wellness, and community connection.

A guided tour of the facilities is scheduled for today at 1 PM. A community open house is also planned for early 2026 to celebrate the completion of the space and recognize the collaboration that made this project possible. This partnership between Tlingit & Haida and CBJ is a significant step towards providing quality education and resources for Juneau's youth.

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