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

Cultural workshops and community youth events are essential parts of the Youth Development program, helping Indigenous high school youth strengthen cultural identity, confidence, and community connection. Facilitated quarterly by the Youth Development Team with Indigenous mentors, workshops offer hands-on cultural learning such as silversmithing, skirt making, and beading in in-person settings. The F.I.N.A.L. (Future Inspired Native American Leaders) Youth Council also plans workshops and events throughout the school year that are open to self-identifying Indigenous high school youth, creating opportunities for leadership, cultural revitalization, and meaningful connection to community and traditional teachings.

Envisioning a Clear Tomorrow: Honoring Life Beyond Alcohol

Join fellow Indigenous high school youth for a creative vision-board experience where you can put your dreams on paper, connect with culture, build healthy relationships, and envision a future free from alcohol. Facilitated by the Future Inspired Native American Leaders Youth Council Prevention Committee, this gathering will also equip youth with practical prevention skills and strategies to confidently say no to alcohol, stand strong in their cultural beliefs, and care for their physical, mental, and community well-being.

Click Here to register

For questions or information about community youth events, call (602)264-6768 or email youthprograms@phxindcenter.org 

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

Future Inspired Native American Leaders (F.I.N.A.L.) 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.

Co President
Justice Turner-El

Communication Secretary
Cadence Hardy

Executive Committee

Co President
Ohíya Walker

Attendance Secretary
Brandan Sands

Vice President
Ava Peterson

Treasurer
Analiese Alexander

Advocacy Committee

Adrian Yazzie | Copper Hunts-In-Winter | Rylee Elliott | Summer Yazzie

Community & Cultural Wellness Committee

Keira Jozefiak | Kellen Little | Randy Tsosie Jr. | Quet’zali Castillo

MMIP Committee

Daniella Begay | Gabriella Cody | Julian Gene | Madison Dobbins

Prevention Committee

Bradlee Tsosie | Kayden Eleando | Leah Todechine | Tylola Tsosie | Vivian Kinsey

Career Readiness

Youth To Work (Y2W) Internship Opportunities

Our Career Readiness program is an interactive two-day paid program designed to help Indigenous high school youth prepare for future job opportunities. During the workshop, participants build practical skills and confidence through hands-on activities focused on job search strategies, resume writing, interview preparation, workplace etiquette, and networking. Youth also learn what to expect in a professional setting and how to present themselves with confidence as they take steps toward entering the workforce. This workshop occurs during the Spring and Fall semesters and is a requirement for Youth to Work (Y2W) internship opportunities. The internship takes place during summer and winter breaks. 

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 supporting Native High School students as they begin exploring higher education and preparing for life after high school. Throughout the year, our team hosts virtual and in-person events that provide students with the opportunity to experience college campuses firsthand, learn about the  application process, and better understand what college life can look like.  College Readiness events we host include:

University, College, and Trade School Tours
FAFSA and Scholarships Workshops
2-Day College Readiness Series

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

Resources

High School Youth Resources 

As a Youth Development team, we have compiled a curated list of the most useful resources for young people seeking guidance, opportunities, and inspiration. It brings together tools, programs, and information designed to support personal growth, education, career development, and community involvement. Whether you’re looking for mentorship, academic support, mental health resources, or essential needs, this document offers accessible and reliable options.  To download the PIC Youth Development Resource Document, click here.  If there are any additional resource links that you feel would be a compliment to the following, please send us an email at youthprograms@phxindcenter.org with the information.

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