Our Teen Programs provide high school students with meaningful experiences that inspire personal growth, leadership, and lifelong success. Open to all high school students up to the age of 18, our programs are offered free of charge and are designed to create a wholesome experience where teens feel safe, supported, connected, and empowered to reach their full potential.
At the Boys & Girls Club, we believe the teen years are some of the most important years in a young person’s life. That is why our programs are intentionally designed around the needs, interests, and goals of teens while creating positive experiences that help them grow into healthy, confident, and civic-minded young adults.
Through our Teen Programs, members participate in a wide variety of opportunities that encourage leadership development, social and emotional growth, academic success, career exploration, and community involvement. Teens are surrounded by caring mentors and dedicated staff who guide and support them throughout their high school journey while helping them build confidence, friendships, and real-world skills.
One of the ways teens make a positive impact is through volunteer service experiences that teach the importance of giving back to the community. Through programs such as GoBabyGo, Cyber Seniors, and Pawsitive Impact, teens participate in hands-on service projects that strengthen leadership, teamwork, communication, and compassion while helping others in meaningful ways.
Teens also participate in wilderness outings and leadership retreats where they spend time outdoors connecting with peers, building relationships, and developing leadership and social-emotional skills. These experiences encourage teamwork, resilience, confidence, and personal reflection in a positive and supportive setting.
Preparing teens for life after high school is a major focus of our program experience. Through college and career readiness activities, teens explore future pathways including college, trade schools, military service, and workforce opportunities. Members participate in career exploration workshops, work readiness training, and conversations with professionals from a variety of industries to learn about future opportunities directly from experts in the field.
Our teen staff and case managers work closely with students throughout the college preparation process by helping them research colleges, complete college applications, apply for scholarships, navigate financial aid opportunities, and prepare for life after graduation. During the summer, teens also visit colleges and universities throughout the state to experience campus life firsthand and gain a better understanding of higher education opportunities before making important decisions about their future.
As part of helping teens gain independence and important life skills, the Club also offers a Driver’s Education Program that helps high school students work toward obtaining their driver’s license. Teens complete driver safety education and training that prepares them to take the California DMV permit exam. Once they receive their permit, eligible participants are provided with a voucher for behind-the-wheel instruction through a certified driving school to help prepare them for their official DMV driving test.
Our Teen Chef experience introduces members to the fundamentals of cooking while teaching kitchen safety, nutrition, meal preparation, and healthy living habits. Through hands-on learning, teens gain the knowledge and skills needed to prepare delicious meals while building confidence, creativity, teamwork, and valuable life skills that can support future career interests and independent living.
To further support teen engagement, the Club extends its regular operating hours to provide dedicated evening access for high school students from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. During these hours, teens have full access to the Clubhouse and can participate in activities such as cooking classes, music, sports, recreation, games, social activities, and more. These dedicated teen hours are designed specifically to create a fun, safe, and welcoming environment where teens can relax, connect with friends, explore their interests, and continue growing in positive ways outside of school.
At the Boys & Girls Club, we are committed to ensuring every teen graduates from high school with a plan, a purpose, and the support system needed to succeed. Through caring relationships, meaningful experiences, and opportunities for growth, our Teen Programs help young people build the confidence, skills, and character needed to thrive in school, in their communities, and in life.