Youth Development

PHOENIX INDIAN CENTER

Youth Programming

The health and well being of our American Indian youth is of vital importance. Our youth development, for middle school & high school youth, focuses on helping them learn the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to live a successful life, utilizing culture as the core of their identity and strength.

This year-round, open enrollment program is designed for students in high school to help prepare them for success in post-secondary education, the workforce and their personal lives. The program is centered around college, career, culture, and prevention. Components include college and career exploration, visits to local employers, college tours, guest speakers, and leadership training. Our staff are both mentors and coaches to the youth and are committed their success.

Sign up today for a workshop! Click here to view our calendar page.

FLYER YD Program Informational Flyer (PNG)

Youth Programming

Youth Community Events

4 UR Inner Warrior

The F.I.N.A.L. Youth Council’s MMIP Committee would like to invite the community out to learn self-defense from a black belt instructor! Registration required and on-site waiver must be completed to participate (parent/guardian signature for 18 or younger). Self-defense starter pack keychains will be provided to all registered participants – see you there!

Event Details:

Date: Sat. January 24th, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Steele Indian School Park (300 E. Indian School Rd. )

This class is open to all ages and genders – beginners welcome. Join us in empowering your inner warrior.
Scan QR Code or Click Here to Register!

Clear the Air: Planting Seeds of Prevention

Join us for an exciting evening filled with painting a planting pot and a discussion about marijuana and vape use! Following the presentation, participants will prepare their pots with soil and a sprouting plant to clear the air, and advocate for our cultural roots and the environment. All art materials and supplies will be provided. Dinner will be offered to all who attend! High-schoolers and families are welcome! Register now to reserve your spot!

Event Details:

Date: Jan. 29, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: The Phoenix Indian Center MPR (4041 N. Central Ave. Building B, Phoenix, AZ 85012)

To Register: Click Here

If you have any questions please connect with our Prevention Youth Council Advisor, Cameron Martin at 602-264-6768 ext. 243 or cmartin@phxindcenter.org

For information about Youth Council events, email youthprograms@phxindcenter.org or call (602) 264-6768

F.I.N.A.L. Youth Council

Future Inspired Native American Leaders Youth Council

The Phoenix Indian Center and the Youth Development program oversee the Future Inspired Native American Leaders Youth Council. The council consists of Native American/Alaska Native high school members in Maricopa County. Council members serve as role models and youth ambassadors for the Phoenix Indian Center and build responsible leadership skills during the academic year. They also:

Participate in F.I.N.A.L. meetings, events, conferences and PIC community events.
Plan community projects & youth events.
Help identify important issues for our urban Native youth.

We currently have 2 openings and are now accepting up to 10 applications for the remainder of the 2025-2026 F.I.N.A.L (Future Inspired Native American Leaders) Youth Council term! Application Deadline: Friday, January 9th by 5PM.

How to Apply

Use the link below to download the F.I.N.A.L. Youth Council application. Complete all portions. Applications must be emailed directly to YouthPrograms@PhxIndCenter.org and submitted by Friday, January 9th at 5PM.
We currently have (2) openings and are accepting up to (10) applications for consideration. Interested applicants will either be placed in the Prevention Committee or the Community & Cultural Wellness Committee.

Click Here to Download a F.I.N.A.L. Youth Council Application
Note: Application window will close if 10 are received prior to deadline!

If you have questions about the Youth Council or the application process, please email YouthProgams@PhxIndCenter.org or call 602.264.6768 ext. 218.

We are proud of the advocacy work the F.I.N.A.L. youth council members provide to our Indigenous community. Below are the F.I.N.A.L. youth council sub-committees for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Executive

Co-Presidents: Ava “Pon” Peterson & Michael Coronado
Vice President: Ohíya Walker
Secretary: Yaretzi Ortega
Treasurer: Keya Hunts-In-Winter

Advocacy

Co-Chair: Tamira John
Co-Chair: Tateum Elthie
Aaliyah Montoya
Kellen Little
Kyliana Massey
Peyton Draper
Rylee Elliott

Community & Cultural Wellness

Co-Chair: Alexia Heaton
Co-Chair: Quet’zali Castillo
Joseph Dosela
Mato’ska Begay
Randy Tsosie Jr.

MMIP

Co-Chair: Avery Hubbell
Co-Chair: Kamia Begay
Daniella Begay
Demetria Collins
Justice Turner-El
Keira Jozefiak

Prevention

Co-Chair: Cadence Hardy
Co-Chair: Ciera Toledo
Bradlee Tsosie
Kayden Eleando
Rin Zermeno

Career Readiness

Youth To Work (Y2W) Internship Opportunities

Did you know our Youth Development Team and Phoenix Indian Center offers paid internships for Indigenous high school students through our Youth 2 Work Program? Internships are open to Indigenous high school students who have completed our Job Readiness Training Program. Applicants are selected based on a first come, first serve basis when applications open at select times during the year. Internship sites and work schedules vary depending on location and work availability. Information coming soon for our winter 2025 internship programs.

For questions or information about our programs, call (602) 264-6768 or email youthprograms@phxindcenter.org

College Readiness

College Readiness Workshops & Events

Our Youth Development team is committed to providing educational pathways for students to find explore their next step after high school. Throughout the year, our team provides virtual and in-person sessions about various college prep workshops on topics that include Financial Aid, College Tours and Academic Resources and Preparedness for Indigenous students. Check back here for more information coming soon for our fall and winter workshops! For more information, call 602-264-6768 or email youthprograms@phxindcenter.org

Teens Teach Tech

Teens Teach Tech Workshop For Indigenous Elders

Check back soon for upcoming workshops! These free sessions are geared for Indigenous Elders to expand their knowledge about technology literacy. Indigenous youth facilitators teach various topics, including: Email Basics, Internet Basics, Video Conference Basics, Internet Safety, Computer Basics (Mac or Windows), and Mobile Device Basics (iOS or Android). For more information, call 602-264-6768 or email youthprograms@phxindcenter.org

Graduation Resources

Tribal Regalia at Graduations

On April 9, 2025, the Office of Indian Education released the AZ Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit for Students and Families, designed to provide valuable resources and guidance to help families and students navigate the wearing of tribal regalia in graduation ceremonies. On April 17, 2025, the AZ Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit for School/District Administrators and Governing Boards was released to provide additional guidance around procedures for the wearing of tribal regalia at graduation. Both toolkits have been created at the request of Arizona’s tribal nations and Superintendent of Schools, Tom Horne.

For more information, click here to visit the Office of Indian Education website
To download the Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit for Students & Families, click here