It’s a fact, teens that are engaged in after school activities are also more engaged in school. They tend to perform better academically, have better attitudes about homework, and have higher aspirations for college and life. The teen centers, and community centers, provide adult supervision and offer a great place for kids to socialize with other kids. The links below provide some great options for kids like volunteering, job workshops and computer skills. Find the center that is right for you, depending on your teen’s individual interests. While we think this is a good head start, please know this is not a comprehensive list.
The Teen Center
225 Valencia Street (located on the first floor of the building). This center has information for teen related events, health related issues, education and scholarships. It is a place for teens to get together to meet others or have meetings, and there is computer access available. Open from 8am to 8pm.
Larkin Street Youth Services
Support services for youth including housing for homeless teens, employment assistance, and addiction treatments and counseling services (415) 673-0911.
San Francisco Teen Chorus
Community Music Center, located at 544 Capp St. This is a free program. For more information call (415) 647-6015.
YMCA CAMPS
Day camps, swim lessons, teen travel camps, specialty camps, outdoor education. Scholarships are available.
California Drivers Education
Take online preparation courses and obtain your DMV permit for your driver’s examination.
San Francisco Diller Teen Fellows
11th grade leadership program for Jewish youth, includes workshops and retreats.
Teen Center at the San Francisco Library
The third floor is home to popular teen books, CD’s, DVD’S, magazines and audio books. Free S.A.T. and college workshops. Teen Advisory Council and San Francisco teen groups are also involved with the teen center at the library. For more information and hours call (415) 557-4404.
San Francisco Teen Challenge
Christian based solutions to addictions in teens.
Chinatown Teen’Zine
Provides an after school program teaching internet technology to children to engage the community.
Chinatown Community Youth Center
Provides counseling, job training and prevention programs for youth (415) 673-0911.
Jewish Community Center San Francisco
This program offers a wide range of activities, social opportunities, art music and dance, and additionally education and test preparation courses for teens grades 6-12.
Public/Private Ventures
This organization provides programs to assist with teen transitions and quality after school activities.
San Francisco Institute for Adolescence
The center provides group and individual counseling for teenage children to improve self worth and general mental health. (415) 221-1952.
Tri-City Voice: Free After School Program for Teens
Tri-city league of volunteers provides free after school care for teens to study, use a tutor, socialize, and have access to computers with snacks available. This program is for junior and senior high students, Monday through Thurs, 3-5:30pm. Call Harold Colon for more information: (510) 793-5683.
San Francisco Zoo
Offers a teen volunteer program for ages 12-15. Learn to handle exotic animals while discussing conservation with the public. Become a zoo teacher assistant and learn on the job training skills. Check out more teen programs and start your application processes here or call (415) 753-8123.
Peer Court
Teen opportunity to be involved with the court systems and mock trials. View various opportunities for volunteers.
Obtain your Work Permit
Visit the school district office of student records at 555 Portola drive at O’Shaugnessy St or call (415)695-5504
Youth Employment Opportunities
Find San Francisco companies with job opportunities for youth
Excelsior Teen Center
Located at 4468 Mission Street, this center provides services for youth and familes.
Randall Museum
Offers Youth & Teens Classes “from 1-9 weeks in length, after school and on Saturdays.
The Sharon Art Studio
Offers free classes for high school students. Drawing, Ceramics, and Stained Glass
TeenLifeSF
Offers Local Summer Programs, After-School Programs, Tutoring and Test Prep, Vacation-Week Programs, Volunteer, Public Schools, and Independent Day Schools
