Teen Programs / Youth Institute

Where Creativity
Flourishes

Teens in our Youth Institute program push their creativity, learn hands-on skills, and develop as collaborators and leaders—starting with a summer wilderness retreat and continuing with video production, tech training, and more opportunities to learn and grow year-round.

What to Expect

Youth Institute kicks off with an 8-week summer experience that begins with a one-week wilderness retreat—giving teens space to unplug, build trust, and connect through outdoor challenges and team-building.

Back at the Y, they dive into hands-on media workshops where they learn to write, film, edit, and produce original videos from first ideas to final cuts.

After summer, our teens transition into a year-round afterschool program with advanced tech training, creative labs, and real-world learning like healthy cooking classes, career exploration, and internships.

Whether they’re editing short films or learning how to navigate adult life, Youth Institute gives teens a safe place to grow—rooted in creativity and community.

Complete the 2025 Summer Youth Institute application online, or reach out to your center directly if you need help signing up.

Ready to Join?

Who Can Join

Youth Institute is open to all middle and high school students.

Pricing

Youth Institute is free!

Where You’ll Be

Here are the centers that offer our Youth Institute program. Contact a center directly for more information about your local Y’s program.