Discover the Valley of the Sun YMCA’s teen programs—a dynamic lineup designed to empower youth through leadership, fitness, and community engagement. From Teen Leadership Training and volunteer opportunities to fitness classes, eSports, and certification courses like CPR and babysitting, our programs help teens build confidence, responsibility, and real-world skills. With a focus on personal growth and positive social experiences, YMCA teen programs provide a safe, supportive space for youth to thrive. Explore how your teen can get involved at the YMCA near you and unlock their full potential today.
Youth and Government™ has provided outstanding experiential learning for over 75 years to youth from across the state. Youth and Government™ helps young people define the community action they wish to take and teaches youth the legislative and judicial processes to facilitate social change. The semester-long program is hosted through several experiential virtual meetings, leading students through topics such as parliamentary procedure, political parties, media, voting, bill writing, and debate policy.
Teens in Leadership Training
Teens In Leadership Training (TILT) helps teens build leadership skills, gain work experience, and earn volunteer hours through engaging, hands-on sessions. TILT is offered both as weekly meetings with a fun, teen-focused curriculum, as well as a week-long camp over fall break that wraps up with an exciting field trip. (Week-long camp is not licensed by the state of Arizona.)
Teen Transportation
Teen Transportation offers a safe, engaging space to unwind and connect after the school day. Teens are picked up directly from school and brought to the Y where they take part in fun, age-appropriate activities that promote social connection, leadership, and personal growth—all in a supervised and supportive environment.
Childcare Workforce
The Childcare Workforce Development program provides education and career workforce services in the areas of Youth Development for young adults ages 16 through 24. This program provides an opportunity to learn within a YMCA childcare program and start a path towards a career in Youth Development.
For more information, contact Nicholas Fernandez at Nicholas.fernandez@vosymca.org
Early Learning Educator Apprenticeship Program
The Valley of the Sun has a Registered Apprenticeship program through the State of Arizona in the subject of Early Learning. The Early Learning Educator Apprenticeship program term is 1 year with an attainment of 2,000 on the job learning hours in one of our programs with 144 hours of related instruction. The Apprenticeship program is available for ages 16+. The related instruction will entail receiving a virtual pathway to obtain your Child Development Accreditation (CDA).
For more information, contact Cerena Barraza at Cerena.Barraza@vosymca.org
And More!
The YMCA offers a variety of teen-focused programs designed to build confidence, skills, and healthy habits. From dedicated Teen Fitness Hours that encourage safe workouts to exciting Teen Night Out events filled with fun and social connection, there’s something for every interest. Teens can also earn certifications in Babysitting and CPR/AED/First Aid, preparing them for real-world responsibilities. For those passionate about athletics, our personal training programs help develop strength and agility. With a wide range of opportunities, the Y is a place where teens can grow, lead, and thrive.