HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM
THE DENA TEEN CENTER IS NOW OPEN!
At Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena, we believe teens need positive role models and experiences to help them pursue greatness. Our new Dena Teen Center offers FREE after-school and into-the-evening programs to all high school students, providing them with a variety of experiences and skills as they transition to adulthood. Our focus is to expose members to a variety of programs and opportunities that they may not get anywhere else.
The Dena Teen Center is more than just a place to hang out — it’s a launchpad for success, connection, and growth. Designed for high school teens, our program offers a dynamic mix of academic support, leadership development, career exploration, and wellness activities in a fun and supportive environment. Whether you're looking to prepare for college and careers, build confidence, make new friends, or just have a great time, there’s something here for you!
100% of Club seniors graduated
on-time from high school in 2025, as compared to 91% of Pasadena Unified School District seniors.
77% of members expect to complete post-secondary education, up from 76% in 2023, and 74% in 2022.
89% of Club high schoolers say they are prepared
to get a job.
Discover What We Do
This new Dena Teen Center is more than just a space, it represents collaboration, care, and investment in teens. Every teen who walks through these doors has the opportunity to learn, lead, thrive, and become Future Ready!
College Bound
Explore colleges, career options, and real-world skills to prepare for life after high school.
Career Bound
Build career readiness skills and receive mentorship to prepare for school, work, and beyond.
Academic Support
Resources aimed to help teens meet their high school learning standards and experience success in the classroom.
Guest Speakers
Speaking engagements designed to motivate teens and give them a glimpse into real-life topics such as careers and leadership.
Character Development & Leadership
Initiatives and events aimed to teach valuable life skills and concepts to help teens develop into leaders for their generation.
Volunteer Opportunities
Initiatives aimed to help teens give back to their community and develop skills such as dependability, communication and decision making.
Partner Spotlight: College Access Plan
Through partnerships with area school districts and local agencies,
College Access Plan (CAP) provides no-cost college readiness advisement and topic-specific workshops for high school and middle school students, families, and to graduates that attend college. Services range from assisting students and graduates with college applications, financial aid, and other forms of essential college preparatory access and success support.
Partner Spotlight: Young & Healthy
Young & Healthy facilitates the delivery of donated medical, dental, mental health, and other health services, free-of-charge, to ages 0-18 (up to 25 for former foster youth) living or going to school in the greater Pasadena area. Young & Health support adults with insurance enrollment, health system navigation, and education, and if someone does not qualify for our programs, researches and refers them somewhere that can meet their needs. Young & Healthy is also a leading training organization, training teachers, other school district employees, local nonprofit groups, parents, and more on a wide range of subjects, particularly around trauma informed care, brain functioning, and wellness for youth.
Why Join?
At the Dena Teen Center, we believe every teen has the potential to thrive. Our programs are designed to help teens:
- Have a safe, inspiring space built for teens, by teens
- Develop real-world skills in problem-solving, communication, and decision-making
- Explore college and career pathways with hands-on opportunities and mentorship
- Gain confidence and leadership experience through community engagement
- Stay active and engaged with sports, robotics, and creative outlets
- Access academic support and tutoring to stay on track in school
- Participate in mental health & wellness opportunities
- Have fun! Join exciting field trips to places like college campuses, Clippers & Dodger games, Raging Waters, and more!
Where to Find Us
Our Dena Teen Center just for high school students is located at Mackenzie-Scott Branch (Fair Oaks location). 2020 N. Fair Oaks Ave Pasadena, CA 91103
Teens have a designated entrance and teen-only space to feel comfortable, relaxed, and ready to connect with friends and resources.
More Info
Days & Time:
The New Dena Teen Center is open Monday through Friday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Teen Nights are from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Ages Served: High School (Grades 9th - 12th)
Fees: FREE for High School Students
Transportation:
Our Transportation Program for Dena Teen Center picks up teens at the following schools, and space is limited.
- Pasadena High School
- Blair High School
- John Muir Early College Magnet High School
- Marshall Fundamental Secondary School
- There is transportation to and from our Slavik Branch for High School Teens near that area
NOTE: Transportation plans/schools are subject to change based on registrations.
Contact
Kimberly Contreras
High School Program Manager
Office: (626) 449-9100 Ext. 111
Cell: (626) 760-2619
Email: kimberly.contreras@bgcpasadena.org
Join Today!
Discover a place where you can grow, explore, and succeed — all while having a blast with friends and mentors who care. Sign up now and take the first step toward an incredible future!
