Teen Center

 

In the summer of 2019, the Variety Boys & Girls Club Teen Center was established with the intention of offering a secure space for high school students in Western Queens to relax and unwind. This place has transformed into much more than just a casual gathering spot. Now, teenagers have the opportunity to access free academic assistance, which will significantly improve their academic achievements. Additionally, the center offers support to youth as they seek to further their education and achieve professional achievement.

Our organization provides a safe and welcoming environment for teenagers to connect with their peers and receive the support they need to thrive. We believe in empowering young individuals to become independent thinkers and doers who are capable of making wise choices and reaching their goals.

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

Afterschool:

  • Begins on: TBD

  • Monday through Friday

    Hours: 3:30–8:00 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: October 5th 

Concludes on: December 14th

Saturdays from 12 pm to 2 pm.

Smith Preparatory offers three practice tests: the diagnostic, the midterm, and the final.  

Materials are provided to you on a weekly basis.  

Preparation for the Test: Assessments that reflect the content taught during classes.

Workforce Development:

Summer Youth Employment Program:

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is a highly esteemed youth employment program in the United States. It offers New York City residents between the ages of 14 and 24 a remarkable chance to acquire valuable work experience and explore potential careers. Every year, VBGCQ hires more than one hundred teenagers as junior counselors and leaders in training! We collaborate with HANAC, Jacob Riis, and LaGuardia Community College to offer teens an opportunity to gain valuable work experience.

Sports Teams:

CM3 Basketball: Variety’s AAU basketball program