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 youth of all ages, 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, we focus our trainings on cultural identity; personal development; prevention services; college readiness and career readiness. Our staff is both mentors and coaches to the youth and are committed their success.

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. An exciting two-week summer camp is offered in July.

For more information, you email us at youthprograms@phxindcenter.org or call us at 602-264-6768.

Youth 2 Work

This paid internship is open to self-identifying American Indian incoming or exiting juniors and seniors in high school. Must complete 2-day job readiness training. Gain new skills while earning $13/hr, up to 40hrs a week and up to 100 hrs total.
Applicants must attend 2-day Job Readiness Training Session. Internship dates 12/20/21-01/07/22 with an orientation on December 18th.
Contact us TODAY!
- Eligibility requirements:
  - 11^th & 12^th grade students residing in Maricopa County that self-identify as American Indian
  - Complete the 2-day Job Readiness Training (must attend full session both days)
- Daily incentives and prizes
- Looks great on college and future applications
- Past employers
  - PIMC, Phoenix Indian Center, Heard Museum, Department of Indian Education, Open Door, UNITY, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Native Health, UofA, And more…

Employer Information

Are you an employer interested in hiring an intern through our Y2W program? We are offering virtual/work-from-home or COVID-safe work environment internships at no cost to interested businesses! Interns are high school juniors and seniors, with their time being paid by the Phoenix Indian Center.

Click here to access the application

For questions or more information, please contact us at (602) 264-6768 or y2w@phxindcenter.org

Youth Job Readiness Training

Are you an American Indian teen ready to prepare themselves for the world of work? Our Job Readiness Training is just for you! These four-day trainings are:

Open to all American Indian high school students
Fun & interactive
Full of useful information and daily prize drawings

Upcoming training date:

Saturdays, October 23 & 30, 2021, from 9 AM – 4 PM each day. Click here to register.

College Fairs

Virtual College Fair November 13, 2021 Noon – 5:00 PM

Calling all American Indian High School students! Don’t miss out on our virtual Fall college tour on November 13th from noon to 5pm. Visit and listen about programs, resources, and admission processes from college representatives! Follow our Instagram @youthphxindcenter for more information or join us following this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84234974622?pwd=bllOOXVGeXE5WWpwRTJxQm81WFpIUT09 or Zoom ID: 842 3497 4622

Summer Academy

2021 Summer Academy has ended. We look forward to making plans for 2022. Visit this page often for up to date details about upcoming youth events.

For more information, contact the Youth Development team at youthprograms@phxindcenter.org or (602) 264-6768

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

Youth Council membership provides high school aged youth with opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, public speaking skills, community engagement and networking.

What does the Youth Council Do?

The Youth Council determines its activities based on its own needs. Needs can be identified through discussions with members, interviews, surveys, and other types of research. Once needs are determined, the youth council develops their own action plan to implement their activities.

Benefits of Joining The Youth Council

Benefits you gain from participating in the Youth Council depend on what each member puts into the Council. If youth make the most of their opportunities, they will:

Learn how to work with other young people
Build strong and lasting friendships
Develop greater self-esteem and self-confidence
Develop communication and leadership skills
Develop organizational skills
Develop winning attitudes
Learn how to take responsibility for their actions
Contribute to making a difference in Indian Country

Click here to download the application!

For more information or questions about how to join, contact our Youth Development team at (602) 264-6768 or youthprograms@phxindcenter.org.

Youth Leadership Day

Youth Day with the Arizona Coyotes

Are you a Native American high school youth in Maricopa County who wants to learn more about hockey? Come celebrate our culture through sports with the AZ Coyotes! Learn more about how to break into a career in the NHL and how to hit a slapshot on the ice from the pros! Youth in attendance will also receive FREE tickets to the game that evening. Please dress warm, as we will be in the rink and outside on the plaza for certain activities. This in-person event will follow COVID-19 safety protocols, including social distancing. Masks will be required. Space is limited.

Click here to register today!

Date: Saturday, December 11, 2021

Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Gila River Arena 9400 W. Maryland Ave | Glendale, AZ

Youth Leadership Days

“Better Together Through Resilience and Growth.” The message lives on right here!

The Phoenix Indian Center is proud to share the inspirational videos from this year’s 10^th Annual Youth Leadership Days Event! It’s true, great motivation starts with great stories–that is why we are dedicated to advancing the valuable content captured behind the lens for this special event. In the heart of these videos, American Indian leaders from all over the United States speak power over generational thinking patterns to honor, create, and build resilience.

Click here to visit the Youth Leadership Days page and view the videos.

Check this site often for information on the next Youth Leadership Day event. Join us at any of our other events through-out the year.

For more information, contact us

Email: youthprograms@phxindcenter.org
Phone: 602-264-6768

FAFSA/College & Trade School Application Assistance
Living In Two Worlds

FAFSA/College & Trade School Application Assistance

FAFSA Technical Assistance is offered during the school year. Call us at 602-264-6768 with all of your questions!

Living In Two Worlds

The Living in 2 Worlds curriculum was developed by the Phoenix Indian Center in partnership with ASU’s Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center using the Keepin’ it REAL drug resistance strategies project as a program for our American Indian youth. Living in 2 Worlds draws on American Indian culture and values as effective drug resistance strategies. We provide youth with different ways to say no to negative choices that confront youth every day, and at the same time, we give youth ample opportunity to express their pride in their American Indian culture(s) and teach them the positive value in the nurturing of that pride.

The Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe curriculum teaches children about personal safety. During two 40-minute sessions, a trained facilitator will present research-based, age-appropriate lessons to help children learn the skills to prevent or interrupt cycles of neglect, bullying and child abuse – physical, emotional and sexual. The Speak Up Be Safe curriculum includes information for children, parents, teachers, and communities to reinforce important safety rules. Because adults are responsible for keeping children safe, the lessons focus on helping children identify a safe adult and learn five safety rules the children can use to help their safe adults keep them safe:

It’s MY body!
Ask an adult if I am safe
I have choices
Tell someone
It’s NEVER my fault!

Living in 2 Worlds, draws on Native culture and values as effective drug resistance strategies. The L2W also teaches, a variety of ways to say no to negative choices that confront youth every day, while learning about different cultures. The students take home Cultural Heritage projects to open communication with family and discuss lives in urban and reservation homes.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Prevention Services Team at 602-264-6768.