COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING

Walnut Teen Center (ages 13-17)

Our Walnut Teen Center is a free program which provides teens with a safe space before and after school. Students are exposed to various growth opportunities through our impactful workshops that share themes of S.T.E.A.M, Arts and Crafts, Culinary Arts, and Health and Wellness. In addition to daily activities, teen students have ample time to socialize with peers, complete academic responsibilities, engage is several forms of gaming, and relax with their favorite devices or watch their favorite movies. Involvement in Walnut’s Teen Center will prepare students for a successful transition into high school as well as upholding some of life’s most important values – Leadership, Positivity, Teamwork, and Enthusiasm.

These programs are made possible through the generosity of

Youth In Government

Several months each year, teens meet in their local delegations to discuss and debate issues that affect citizens of Delaware. At delegation meetings, teens create and write proposed legislation to address Delaware issues, learn about the democratic system, are trained in parliamentary procedure, bill development, the legislative committee process and debate. Our goals are to develop life-long responsible citizenship in middle school and high school students by helping them become more knowledgeable and active in determining the future of our democracy.

Summer Learning Loss Prevention

In collaboration with Teach for America, over the summer months, we continue to engage children academically to help prevent knowledge loss over the summer months. We offer actives embedded in learning skills to help children engage in constant learning.

Teen Workforce Development

The Walnut Street Teen Workforce Development program provides job readiness and life skills for teens ages 15 and up while addressing a dire need for positive opportunities available to adolescents within the City of Wilmington.

Cohorts of up to 20 teens are matched with a professional career mentor. Teens participate in workshops focusing on life skills and job readiness. Topics include resume writing, financial literacy, stress management, conflict resolution, etiquette, public speaking, presentations, career guidance, interviewing techniques, job searching and placement. Each participant will be placed within a partnering agency and/or welcomed in at least one of the following departments within the YMCA: Youth Sports, Aquatics and Lifeguarding, Childcare, Membership, Maintenance, and Community Outreach.

These programs are made possible through the generosity of

Back on Track

In cooperation with the Delaware Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services, our Back on Track program serves youth adjudicated to Level II probation. While in the program, youth participate in life skills and education sessions to understand the nature of their offense, recognize the impact it has on the community, and learn skills to prevent reoccurrence.

Black Achievers

The Black Achievers’ goal is to encourage youth to develop educational and career awareness with the assistance and guidance of mentors from diverse career backgrounds. This program helps youth raise their academic standards, develop a positive sense of self, build character, explore diverse college and career options, and learn from role models who inspire them to greater heights. For more information, contact Anesha Truesdale at [email protected]

Juvenile Civil Citation

The primary purpose of Juvenile Civil Citation is to prevent further delinquency through appropriately addressing participating youth offenses without creating a delinquency record. This program offers law enforcement the option of issuing the youth a civil citation in lieu of arrest.