Teen Center

 

The Variety Boys & Girls Club Teen Center opened its doors in the summer of 2019 with the goal of providing a safe haven for high school kids in Western Queens to hang out. It evolved into more than simply a hangout spot; teens may now take advantage of free academic support through tutoring and SAT PREP sessions, which will greatly enhance their academic performance. Additionally, they can educate themselves further on the art of managing finances by participating in workshops on financial literacy. The center also provides guidance as teens navigate the path towards higher education and professional success. We empower our teens to make excellent decisions by offering them a secure space to call their own, a haven where they can socialize with friends and receive positive encouragement to achieve their full potential.

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

Afterschool:

  • Begins on October 10th

  • Monday through Friday

  • Hours: 3:30 - 9:00 PM

  • Programming: Basketball, swimming, college and career readiness support, and a safe space to be with friends and play video games, play board games, or just hang out!

Power Hour (Free tutoring):

Our tutors from Smith Preparatory work together with each Student to develop an individualized educational strategy that is tailored to meet the specific academic requirements that are associated with that Student's course of study. In addition to that, we will provide daily assistance with homework, and snacks will be made available to the students at all times.

Goes from October 10th to May 30th

  • Wednesday: 3:30 PM–4:30 PM

    4:30 PM–5:30 PM

Subjects covered: Mathematics, Pre-algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Science, Biology, Living Environment, Chemistry, English, History, Regents Test Prep

SAT PREP:

Even though SAT scores are becoming less important for admission at some schools, many of the nation's most prestigious colleges and universities still require them. Therefore, the SAT should play a central role in your college preparation strategy. Preparing for the SAT is a task that many high school juniors and seniors find intimidating and stressful. Our tutors provided by Smith Preparatory will put you at ease and boost your confidence as a student as you prepare for college.

  • Saturdays: 12:00 PM–2:30 PM

  • Important Dates:

    • November 11/25 (Thanksgiving Recess) - Closed

    • February 2/24 (Midwinter Recess) - Closed

    • April 4/27 (Spring Break) - Closed

Cohort 1 (9 weeks)

Saturdays, October 7, 2023–December 9, 2023

Students in Cohort 1 will be prepared for the SAT exam on December 2, 2023.

Cohort 2 (16 weeks)

Saturdays, February 3, 2024–May 25, 2024

Students in Cohort 2 will be prepared to take the free SAT test that the DOE will be giving on March 9, 2024, as well as the final SAT test for the 2023–2024 school year, which will be given on June 1, 2024.

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

  • Materials will be provided each week

  • Preparation for the Test: Quizzes based on the material covered in class

Workforce Development:

Paid Internships:

Through our collaboration with Jacob Riis, we are able to offer three different job opportunities to those who are currently seeking employment. There is the construction industry, the food service industry, and the retail and customer service industries. Send an email to Dion Seraneau at dseraneau@bgcqueens.org if you are between the ages of 17 and 24 and live in the Long Island City/Astoria area of Queens and are interested in receiving additional information.

Work, Learn, & Grow provides students from participating New York City public high schools between the ages of 16 and 21 with an opportunity to strengthen their work readiness skills, explore potential career paths, and receive academic support, including guidance on postsecondary education and the potential to earn college credit. If you have previously participated in the 2023 SYEP Program and are currently enrolled at one of the schools listed below, WL&G will send a representative from HANAC to your school to discuss this paid employment opportunity.

  • Academy for Careers in Television and Film

  • Business Of Sports School

  • High School for Law Advocacy and Community Justice

  • High School of Arts and Technology

  • High School of Language and Innovation

  • Long Island City High School

  • Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics

  • Manhattan/Hunter Science High School

  • Special Music School

  • Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School

  • The Maxine Greene HS Imaginative Inquiry

  • Urban Assembly Gateway School for Technology

  • Urban Assembly School for Media Studies, The

  • Young Women's Leadership School, Queens

Summer Youth Employment Program:

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is the largest youth employment program in the United States, providing New York City residents between the ages of 14 and 24 with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while exploring potential careers. Each year, VBGCQ employs over one hundred adolescents as Junior Counselors and Leaders in Training! Select HANAC as your top choice and Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens as your worksite when applying to join us for the summer through SYEP.

Sports Teams:

CM3 Basketball: Variety’s AAU basketball program