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.

See what's coming up...

Youth 2 Work

Youth To Work Internships

Indigenous High School Students:

Did you know our Youth Development Team and Phoenix Indian Center offers paid internships 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. For questions or more information, please contact us at (602) 264-6768

Employers For Youth To Work Information

Are you an employer interested in hiring an intern through our Youth to Work program? We are offering virtual and in-person internships at no cost to interested businesses! Interns are high school juniors and seniors, with their time being paid by the Phoenix Indian Center. For questions or more information, please contact us at (602) 264-6768.

Indigenous Combines

Indigenous Fall Ball Showcase

Our Indigenous Fall Ball Showcase was held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 for volleyball and football players. This free, one-day event was open to all high school football and volleyball athletes. We want to thank all of our coaches, volunteers, students and staff for making this a great event! Be sure to look for upcoming Combines soon!

For more information, call our Youth Development team at 602-264-6768 or email youthprograms@phxindcenter.org

Football combine video

Volleyball skills video

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

Future Inspired Native American Leaders Youth Council

NOW RECRUITING FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR: Become a youth ambassador for the Phoenix Indian Center’s Youth Development Program. As a Member, you will help plan and organize cultural, educational, and community workshops, events and activities throughout the year. Applications have now closed. For questions, contact our Youth Development team at 602-264-6768.

Benefits of Membership:

Leadership Development
Community Engagement
Networking Opportunities

Important Dates:

Application Due
July 01, 2025 by 5:00 PM
Youth Council Applicant Interviews
July 07 – 11, 2025
Selection Notification
July 18, 2025
Youth Council Orientation
July 21 – 23, 2025
Parent Orientation via Zoom
July 24, 2025
Inauguration
August 09, 2025

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

Youth Leadership Day

Annual Youth Leadership Day

Every year, our Youth Development Team organizes our popular Youth Leadership Day for American Indian high school students in Maricopa County. This high energy event focuses on networking, leadership skill development, with students taking part in activities that instill pride in cultural heritage. We often feature dynamic guest speakers who speak from Indigenous perspectives. Past presenters have included Christian Parrish (Apsáalooke) known professionally as Supaman; Shawn Martinez (Diné) Entertainment Director for the Phoenix Suns and Red Heritage Indigenous Entertainment. Check back here for upcoming details and registration information.

For questions contact our Youth Development Team by email at youthprograms@phxindcenter.org or phone at 602-264-6768.

College Prep & Tribal Graduation Regalia

College Prep 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. For more information about workshops, email youthprograms@phxindcenter.org

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

Youth Events

Coming Soon

Check back here for upcoming programs for High School Youth! For questions, 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 gnocki@phxindcenter.org