Our teen programs include:

Middle School After-School Teen Center

Monday-Friday 3:00–6:30 pm
Teens can come Afterschool to study, play sports, participate in enrichment activities, such as cooking, arts, music, and service projects, or just relax and hang out. Teens can meet new friends and have fun. In addition, the YMCA provides teens an opportunity to learn leadership skills and get involved in a series of volunteer and fundraising projects.

Y-University

Miller Middle School
6151 Rainbow Dr., San Jose
(408) 497-4039

At Y-University (Y-U), middle school teens participate in leadership activities, such as service-learning, public speaking, and group building, and club activities from gardening and drawing to photography and drama. Y-Uers are provided a quiet area and time to do homework and participate in the California YMCA Youth & Government’s Model United Nations program.

Middle School Teen Events

The Northwest YMCA will host monthly teen events at the branch. Events range from dances to “flick n’ floats” to talent shows. All middle school teens are welcome!

Middle School Teen Center Recess

Come spend a fun filled week at the Northwest YMCA Teen Center! Activities include group games, cooking projects, swimming, and walking field trips to local parks. The highlights of each week are field trips that range from bowling to amusement parks.

Spring Break College Tours

Choosing a college is a very important decision in the life of a student. This Spring Break College Tour helps participants make more informed choices. High school students will learn about and visit several state and private universities in California. During the visit, university officials give guided tours and informational sessions that include financial aid details. In between university visits we’ll stop by the Disneyland Resort. The trip is full of laughs, new friends and adventure. This program is open to high school sophomores and juniors.

Youth Leaders in Training

As school-age children get a little older, their excitement about being in an after-school program sometimes dwindles. The Northwest YMCA is committed to investing in these children’s lives by creating a unique opportunity for them to participate in our Youth Leadership Training program. This program is offered at each of our child care center locations and runs the entire length of the school year. Our 3rd-5th graders are eligible to participate in this program. Program components include: service learning activities, homework assistance with younger children, planning special events, and learning leadership skills. Our YLTs see themselves as assets in our programs, and they are!

YMCA Youth and Government

These statewide programs promote hands-on learning about democracy and leadership, as well as our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

6th YMCA Model United Nations (MUN)

(Grades 6-9)
It’s Your World!” Come and be apart of this award-winning delegation! Participants take on the roles of Ambassadors of countries to address global issues, write resolutions, discover other cultures, and make new friends. This program also includes a training summit at Camp Roberts and the Model United Nations Conference in Pasadena, California. MUN is designed to:
• Expand awareness of and engagement in global issues
• Teach public speaking skills
• Develop leadership skills
• Promote social development and fellowship with peers
• Enhance personal growth reflecting the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
All meetings are held at the Northwest YMCA.

YMCA Model Legislature Spring Conference

(Grades 9-11)
The Spring Model Legislature is an informal taste of Youth & Government designed primarily to recruit new members. The conference is a fun, relaxed weekend that everyone is encouraged to attend. Held in Central California at Corcoran High School and Corcoran YMCA, the conference gives participants a general idea of what is involved with Youth & Government. Delegates conduct committee sessions, model legislative sessions, and model court sessions over a three-day weekend. In addition, the Spring Model Legislature presents the first opportunity for the newly elected Youth Governor to preside over a conference.

All meetings are held at the Northwest YMCA.

Youth Strength Training & Nutrition

Throughout the school year, our Northwest YMCA Health & Fitness staff will be on site at our child care centers to engage the children in a variety of physical activities. Also, in a structured setting, we create a lively and educational opportunity for your children to learn what they need to know about the importance of staying healthy. This includes discussions on nutrition and diet, general health and fitness concerns, and disease and injury prevention.

Dodge Ball League (Ages 9 to 14)

Our Dodge Ball leagues are designed for all ability levels. The only prerequisite is that participants are open to learning about fair play and teamwork.

Youth Breakdancing/DJing

During our breakdancing workshop students warm-up with stretching exercises and learn: toprocks, footwork, freezes and power moves. In our DJing classes each student will develop their individual style, distinctive rhythm and be taught such skills as “scratching” and “beat-matching.” This workshop is sure to bring out the creative and imaginative side in every participant. Refer to our Fall Group Exercise schedule for class times. Free to Facility Members

For more information, contact the Northwest YMCA Teen Center at (408) 351-2423.