Youth Programs

Two program tracks built to give Vallejo youth ages 12–26 income, community, and a path forward every program is free.

TWO PROGRAM TRACKS

Choose the track that fit or do both

Growing Futures Program

GEORGIA YOUTH CENTER · SAT 2–6PM | CHERRY GARDEN · TUE/THU/SAT 10AM–12PM

Addresses economic and food security through hands-on gardening, civic engagement, and peer mentorship.

Urban Agriculture — permaculture, seasonal crops, native plants & pollinators, composting
Community Gardening — access to a self-sustaining garden, volunteer hours & experience
Community Design Lab — advocacy & civic engagement skill-building

GROWING FUTURES DETAILS

Youth Empowerment Program

TUOLUMNE YOUTH CENTER · MON–FRI 3–7PM

A full slate of art, wellness, academic, and career-readiness programming under one roof.

Art I & II — beading, painting, clay, murals & sculpture
The Zone & Academic Support — holistic wellness, homework help, college & career prep
Media Workshop, Food Access, Workforce Development & Auto Mechanic Basics

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT DETAILS →

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC — Music Club & The DIY Literature Club run Saturdays, 3–5PM, at the Georgia Youth Center.

12–26

Age range served

$0

Cost to join, always free

Max 3

Programs at once, to avoid burnout

80+

Youth graduated in 2025

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & YOUTH LEADERSHIP

What's your pitch?

Committed youth can grow into paid Youth Leader roles doing advocacy and civic engagement work, pitching and running their own projects, not just attending programs.

Program Participant

Month 0–1

Build relationships, get oriented

Youth Support

Month 2-3

Start forming project ideas

Youth Leads

Month 4-5+

Act on ideas, take ownership

Career Development

Ongoing

Youth internships & coordinator roles

Eligibility: 12+ program sessions attended, proactive participation. Stipends are currently available to Youth Leaders.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Getting started takes four steps

1. Walk in or reach out

Visit a Youth Center or contact us directly, no appointment needed to start.

2. Fill out the Membership Form

Ages 12–26 get access to Safe Spaces & programs. Returning youth fill out an Interest Form every 12 weeks instead.

3. Attend a Program Info Session

Learn our mission, meet staff, understand the programs, and get your questions answered in person.

4. Enroll and get your Youth ID

Get your schedule and start checking in, sessions unlock incentives, and consistent participation opens the door to becoming a Youth Leader.

VOICES FROM THE PROGRAM

What youth are saying

"It takes a Youth to lead a Youth. You get a lot of opportunities, a fun place to hang out, networking, connections, and other organizations."

"This is a safe space where you can be yourself and find relationships with other youth and staff, they help a lot with college, letters of recommendation, and getting jobs."

"I learned leadership skills as an Art youth leader, and valuable information about financial literacy that's helped me prepare for the future."

Have questions before you join?

Our Youth Coordinator is happy to walk you through programs, schedules, and the intake process.