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SDYS
3255 Wing Street
San Diego CA  92110
(619) 221-8600

 

Youth Centers

Our two Youth Centers are high-tech educational and recreational centers located in City Heights and Golden Hills. They were created to promote academics and prevent juvenile delinquency in young people who are working to overcome detrimental barriers to success. All of the services are free of charge and available to anyone between the ages of 9 and 17! Those who are over 18-years old can participate as a volunteer mentor.

Last year, 763 youth demonstrated improved academic achievement as a result of their participation at our Youth Centers!

Check out Youth Centers' Teen Connection

Youth Centers Information 

Transportation may be provided for those who want to take advantage of the various services including:

• Financial Literacy
• Academic Enrichment
• Cultural and Performing Arts Opportunities: Teen Connection, Theatre Troupes
• Mentoring
• Diversion Services
• Physical Fitness
• Leadership Training
• Family Activities
• Alcohol and other drug treatment, education and prevention
• Health and Fitness

During "Power Hour" youth are required to do homework. They have the opportunity to receive one-on-one tutoring and can earn points toward incentive awards for academic achievement.

Contact Information
Youth Center City Heights
619-325-4696
Youth Center Golden Hills
619-232-8126

A special thank you to the following supporters of our Youth Centers:
California Office of Community Challenge Grants
Children's Initiative
City of San Diego
City of San Diego Commission for the Arts
County of San Diego
County of San Diego Alcohol and Drug Services
Forever Young Foundation
San Diego Chargers
San Diego First 5 Commission
San Diego State Institute for Public Health
San Diego Unified School District Community Service Association
United Way

At the Youth Centers, youth work on their homework and develop their computer skills thanks to the The Forever Young Foundation that donated several Sun Computers.

Check Out The Following For Information Specific To The Center Locations!

• Youth Center Golden Hill Program Descriptions

Roberto's Road to Success Leads him to our Youth Centers

A 16-year-old who came to a Youth Center in September of 1999, Roberto, had a history of violence and failing grades. He was spreading graffiti and beginning to associate with gang members in his neighborhood. After two months of intensive one-on-one mentoring at the Youth Center, there was a noticeable change in Roberto's appearance and attitude. He stopped wearing "sagging" clothes and started carrying a backpack with books in it. Roberto also began to attend the homework sessions in the Youth Centers' computer lab and started to stick to the "life plan" he had developed with Youth Center staff. Roberto earned a certificate for "most improved" at his school, and his "Fs" have evolved into "Bs".

In addition to academic enrichment, youth are able to participate in many cultural and recreational activities. Pictured above is the eXtreme Team, a group of youth from the Youth Center who go on an annual ski trip funded by generous donors. Activities such as these expose youth to new experiences and, through these experiences, youth are able to develop stronger inter-personal skills as well as self confidence.