Teen Services

The City of Palo Alto recognizes the importance of creating a positive, safe environment where teens can develop life skills and grow as individuals. The Community Services Department offers several programs and leadership groups geared specifically for the Palo Alto teen community with the goal of developing leaders and fostering growth. Each teen program offered by the City focuses on developing the spirit, mind, and body; stimulating creativity, offering challenges, and building developmental assets.
Teen Leadership
Art Center Teen Leadership
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The Art Center Teen Leadership is a group of high school students that
Explorer Post 61
Website
The Palo Alto Police Department invites our local youth to learn about the objectives and roles of the police in our community and to gain knowledge in the law enforcement field through our Law Enforcement Explorer program.
Palo Alto Youth Council
Website | Contact | Facebook
The Palo Alto Youth Council (PAYC) is a collaborative of Palo Alto high school students committed to servicing the needs of the teen community by serving as a voice
Teen Advisory Board
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The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is made up of Palo Alto high school students who want to plan and lead high school events for students in Palo Alto.
Teen Arts Council
Website | Contact | Facebook
The Teen Arts Council is a creative community of Palo Alto teens dedicated to enriching the lives of their peers through artistic expression
Teen Library Advisory Board
Contact | Facebook
Teen Library Advisory Board (TLAB) is a group of dedicated teens who share new ideas about teen library activities,
Grant Opportunities
Think Fund
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Fund your projects and ideas and make them come to life with the City of Palo Alto's Think Fund! Get money for your idea, as well as mentorship and support in order to make your vision a reality. No idea is too big or too small. If you're in high school and have an idea for a short-term or long-term project, meet with the Teen Program Specialist to discuss how you can transform your blueprint into a footprint!
Resources
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Project Safety Net
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Project Safety Net is a collaborative community network held together by a common interest of fostering youth well-being in Palo Alto
Other Teen Services
The Drop at the Mitchell Park Teen Center is our drop-in space for middle school teens. With weekday hours during the school year, middle school teenagers in Palo Alto are able to enjoy all of the recreational amenities the center yields, including pool, foosball, ping pong, video games, basketball, and board games, all in a fun, safe, and supervised space.
The Drop is free and open to all Palo Alto middle school students with valid school ID and Teen Center Membership.
MakeX
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MakeX is a FREE community
Magical Bridge - Kindness Ambassador Program
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Join forces with Magical Bridge Foundation to lead, engage, and grow. By volunteering with our non-profit organization focused on building innovative and welcoming playgrounds for everyone, you’ll become a key member of a movement bringing positive change to your own community. Through events and activities both on and off the playground, you’ll earn community service hours, while educating the larger community - and yourself! - about the importance of making play fun for everyone. To complete an application visit: magicalbridge.org/kindness-ambassador-program