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

Beaded Earring Workshop

Indigenous high school youth! Come learn how to make your own beaded earrings in person with Zoee Buffalo (Beaded by Zoee!) No experience needed — show up, create, and leave with earrings you made!

Event Details:

Date: March 6, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Phoenix Indian Center MPR (4041 N. Central Ave. Building B, Phoenix, AZ 85012)

Registration is required. Limited spots are available- Click Here to Register!

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 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.
Analiese Alexander

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
Leah Todechine

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

College Readiness Workshop

Join us for a two-part College Readiness Workshop Series where we break down the college journey. From applying, to paying for school, and building confidence in college spaces. Attend 1 or both days!

Dates: Monday, February 23rd & Monday, March 3, 2026
Time: 5:30PM – 7:00PM
Location: Virtual on Zoom

Workshop #1 will explore topics such as:

What is College Readiness?
Different Paths After High School
How to Apply to College

Workshop #2 will explore topics such as:

After College Admissions
How to Navigate Imposter Syndrome
FAFSA & Scholarships

To register for this online workshop, click here.

FAFSA Workshop

Join us for a FAFSA Workshop in collaboration with Aliento Get step-by-step support completing the FAFSA and learn more about financial aid for college.
Open to Native High School students & one parent/guardian per student welcome. Interested in completing your FAFSA on-site? Must bring your parent/guardian’s 2025 tax forms!

Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 5:30PM – 7:00PM
Location: Phoenix Indian Center’s Computer Lab (4041 North Central Ave, Building B Phoenix, AZ 85012)

To register for this workshop, click here.

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