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

MMIP Healing Circle

The Future Inspired Native American Leaders Youth Council would like to invite the community to join us for an MMIP Healing Circle. The event will acknowledge our Indigenous relatives that have gone missing and murdered. Join us in honoring them as we gather in prayer. Dinner will be provided. For more information, connect with our MMIP Committee Youth Council Advisor, Utahna Blackwater at 602-264-6768 ext. 120 | ublackwater@phxindcenter.org

Register Today: Click here
Event Date: Saturday, Nov. 15
Time: 3:00 – 6:30 PM.
Location: Phoenix Indian Center
Address: 4041 N. Central Ave. Building B, Phoenix, AZ 85012

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
Chanaoel Ashike
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

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

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

November College Readiness Workshop – Northern Arizona University Campus Trip

Step onto campus and explore what life at NAU is really like! Join our Youth Development Team for this one-day, campus trip to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ! Topics covered will include:

Campus Life Exploration: See key areas of campus and get a feel for the NAU experience.
Native Student Support Services: Learn about programs and resources that support Native students.
Academic & Cultural Opportunities: Find out how NAU helps students succeed academically and stay connected to culture and community resources.

Transportation Provided: Round-trip charter bus transportation will be provided for all participants.

For questions, contact Lizzy Colón at 602-264-6768 or lcolon@phxindcenter.org

Date: Friday, Nov, 14, 2025
Time: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Location: Phoenix Indian Center as our starting point and travel to the NAU campus in Flagstaff. This will be a one-day trip with transportation provided by the PIC.
Registration is full at this time

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