Mill Street Youth Center, which aims to offer free after-school programs and job training for New Braunfels teens, is getting ready to open.
The $15 million project, led by the New Braunfels Youth Collaborative, will be housed in the former New Braunfels High School building at 430 W. Mill St., according to the center’s website. The historic building, which dates back to the mid-1800s, has been renovated to serve a modern cohort of sixth- to 12th-grade students.
The details
The 27,000-square-foot facility will include a wide range of spaces designed for both recreation and skill-building, Launch Lab Director Jaime Johnson said.
The center will be open to all students regardless of school district. Transportation to and from the facility is planned, and meals and after-school snacks will be provided. While the center is designed primarily for teens, it will also be a resource for the broader community, Jaime said.
Renovations included stabilizing the foundation and reconfiguring interior spaces, such as widening hallways and creating flexible classrooms, while preserving the building’s historic character, said Stacey Dicke, executive director of NBYC.
“We are honored to be entrusted with this important historical building, and we took extra care to make sure we maintained the integrity of the facility,” Dicke said.
Some rooms may be available for daytime use or rentals in the future, including a library-style meeting space, Johnson said. A renovated gym across the street will also be available for sports activities such as basketball and volleyball, according to the collaborative’s website.
About the program
NBYC entered into a 50-year lease with New Braunfels ISD for the property in February 2024, as previously reported by Community Impact. The move kicked off nearly two years of renovations.
When fully operational, the center will employ 10 full-time staff members and 15 part-time staff, Dicke said.
Volunteers will also play a key role in program offerings, assisting with tutoring, mentoring and teaching specialized classes. In some cases, professional instructors will be contracted to provide curriculum and instruction, Johnson said.
“We want to bring in the experts. We really want to bring in those connections. Maybe we bring in drone demonstrations and show kids how drones are really used in the workforce and what they're used for, and open their minds to possibilities beyond what they think they know of the workforce and careers,” Johnson said.
Programming will focus on career awareness, entrepreneurship and workforce development. Students will have access to multi-week classes, guest instructors, hands-on demonstrations and academic support such as tutoring and SAT prep, Johnson said. There will also be a student-run cafe to help students build their resumes and assist in job-readiness training.
Youth center registration has been open since June 2025, and more than 1,000 students have registered as members through gym and youth programs, Dicke said. Participation in the center’s programs will be free, and staff will assist families with the registration process when the facility opens.
One more thing
The center will have a grand opening week for students from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. March 9-13, which will give teens the opportunity to explore the new space, meet staff and kick off programming for the week of spring break, according to a news release.
There will also be a community-focused evening called "Adult Recess," during which adults will be able to explore the new space and meet staff. The Adult Recess event is for individuals 21 and older and will be from 6-9 p.m. March 27, according to the release.
