The Y is committed to ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to become a healthy, contributing member of society. We offer activities and programs for teens that provide them with academic assistance, employment opportunities, and other life skills, all while having fun.
NEW Junior Leadership Program
🌟 CREATING TOMORROW'S LEADERS TODAY
High school juniors in the St. Louis Metro area can participate in this 9-month leadership experience focused on civic engagement and nonprofit careers. Participants attend retreats, full-day learning sessions, and complete a service project. Included in participation is a college scholarship from UMSL upon completion of the program!
✅ Must be a junior in 2025-2026 school year
📅 Program runs August–April
💲 Fee waived – limited spots available!
🔗 Apply now – accepted on a rolling basis through July!
Our Teen Programs
Youth and Government (YAG)
Youth and Government (YAG) provides students the opportunity to experience the democratic process and develop the leadership skills needed to become citizens of a participatory society. Missouri YAG is for grades 7-12 each year. Illinois YAG is for grades 9-12 each year.
Summer Camp
YMCA Teen Summer Camps with the Community Development YMCA are designed for campers ages 13-16 and provide teens the opportunity to learn valuable skills, try new things, and make new friends - all while remaining part of the exciting summer camp environment.
The Mobile Y
The Mobile Y provides a unique opportunity for youth and communities who can't easily access our physical locations to still engage with all the YMCA has to offer. The Mobile Y will bring various FREE resources to teens and youth 18 and younger in St. Louis City.
Esports
Get the game started with our competitive esports leagues with beginner, intermediate, and advances levels with games such a Super Smash Bros, Rocket League, and Fortnite.
Y Achievers
The Gateway Region YMCA Achievers is a bi-state college readiness, career exploration, and life preparation program which provides students of color with the essential tools to pursue higher education, define life goals and identify different career opportunities.
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Contact Us
Chiamaka Onuoha
Senior Teen Program Director
Courtney Brame
Senior Teen Program Director
Jacob Henderson
Director of Civic Engagement
Are you a teen interested in working at the Y?
Lifeguards, camp counselors, child care, and more, there are current openings for all different interest and skill levels among teens!