Teen Center

 

Established in the summer of 2019, the Variety Boys & Girls Club Teen Center was created to provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming space for high school students in Western Queens. What began as a place for teens to relax and connect with peers has grown into a comprehensive youth development hub that supports both academic and personal success.


The Teen Center offers free academic assistance to help students strengthen their academic performance, stay on track with schoolwork, and prepare for future educational opportunities. In addition, the program provides guidance and resources to support teens as they explore higher education options and work toward long-term career goals.

Through a positive and inclusive environment, the Teen Center encourages meaningful peer connections while offering mentorship and support from caring staff. The program is dedicated to empowering young people to become confident, independent thinkers and decision-makers who are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and support needed to achieve their goals and succeed in school, career, and life.

REGISTER here →

Questions about the program? Reach out to Teen Center Director Dion Seraneau at dseraneau@bgcqueens.org

Afterschool:

  • Begins on: January 4th 2026

  • Monday through Friday

    Hours: 6 PM–9 PM

    Variety of Boys and Girls Club of Queens Teen Activities include:

    Career Launch

    Career Launch encourages Club members ages 13 to 18 to assess their skills and interests, explore careers, make sound educational decisions, and prepare to join our nation's work force.

    Diplomas to Degrees

    Two-thirds of all jobs in the near future will require some level of postsecondary education or training. Diplomas to Degrees encourages teens to explore their interests and potential careers, helps them map the steps to gaining entry to a postsecondary institution that meets their needs, and develops in them the skills and attributes necessary to succeed after high school.

    Passport to Manhood

    BGCA's Passport to Manhood program, first released in 1999, has been implemented by thousands of Club staff to guide youth on their journey from adolescence to adulthood. The program gives young people practice in making healthy decisions related to their physical, cognitive, emotional and social development. As they build and practice life skills for decision-making, conflict resolution and healthy relationships, youth learn the essential attitudes, values and skills they need to become responsible adults.

    SMART Girls

    SMART Girls is a small-group health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement program designed to meet the developmental needs of girls ages 8 to 18. Through dynamic sessions, participatory activities, field trips and mentoring opportunities with adult women, Club girls explore their own and societal attitudes and values as they build skills for eating right, staying physically fit, getting good health care and developing positive relationships with peers and others.

    Youth of the Year

    Youth of the Year has been BGCA's premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club members. Each year, one exceptional young person from a Boys & Girls Club rises to the role of National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year serves as both an exemplary ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth and as a strong voice for all of our nation’s young people.

    In addition, we have the game room, a variety of sports, social activities, cooking, fitness, field trips, workshops, internships, and tutoring.

SAT PREP:

While SAT scores may be losing some of their significance in the college admissions process, they remain a requirement at many of the top-tier institutions in the country. Thus, the SAT holds significant importance in a high school student's college preparation strategy. Preparing for the SAT can be quite daunting and overwhelming for many high school juniors and seniors. Our tutors from Smith Preparatory are highly skilled and experienced in helping high school students excel academically and gain the confidence they need to succeed in college.

Starts on: January 17th

Concludes on: May 30th

Saturdays from 12 pm to 2 pm.

Smith Preparatory provides three practice tests—diagnostic, midterm, and final—along with weekly materials and assessments that align with the content taught in class.

Workforce Development:

Summer Youth Employment Program:

Through programs such as SYEP and Work, Learn, and Grow, and partnerships with Jacob Riis, HANAC, and LaGuardia Community College, the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens provides teens with internship opportunities within its programs. These workforce initiatives help youth ages 14–24 build job skills, confidence, and professional experience while learning responsibility, communication, teamwork, and workplace expectations. Each year, VBGCQ employs over 100 teens as junior counselors and leaders in training, supporting their preparation for college and future careers.

Sports Teams:

CM3 Basketball: Variety’s AAU basketball program