Program areas at BTC
In fy23, the Brookline Teen Center was open 5 days per week for an after- school middle school enrichment program supporting 4th-8th graders living or going to school in Brookline. The btc was also open 3 days per week for high school students. The btc held a diverse set up programming including tutoring and sat prep, basketball tournaments, music programs, art shows, and college visits including btc's first hbcu overnight trip. Many special events were held in 2023 including open Center nights, roller skating, concerts, and arts/crafts events. Btc is a strong supporter of Teen employment. Btc hired 3 high school interns in fy23 and helped secure over 50 landscaping, light moving, and car detailing jobs for teens through the youthscapers program. Btc also supported many school and community organizations offsites and events free of charge. In fy23, btc's program revenue was 160,846 with expenses representing 30,525 (not including staff costs). Currently, our vibrant community boasts more than 300 enthusiastic Teen members. Throughout the week, on both weekdays and weekends, our Center serves as a dynamic platform for these young minds to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Inside our state of the art music studio, they can hone their creative talents, while also engaging in various activities such as basketball, gaming, culinary pursuits, and socializing with friends, mentors, and our committed staff. We open our doors immediately after the school day ends, providing a warm, nourishing meal upon arrival and offering snacks throughout the afternoon and evening. Here, the students are granted autonomy over their time, with opportunities to join over 40 diverse clubs each week, receive academic support, access college preparation guidance, find mentorship, or simply relax in our peaceful retreat areas.our commitment extends beyond the regular school calendar, as we remain open during school closures for professional development and provide comprehensive activities during vacation weeks. Our goal is to create a haven for students to explore their interests and aspirations, helping them chart their own path towards a fulfilling future. Btc engages young people from all backgrounds in Brookline, and we value and celebrate the diversity within our community of teens and staff. On average, 75% of the teens who visit btc daily are teens of color. This includes teens who identify as african american, latinx, asian, and multi- racial. The btc is also a safe place for teens who identify as part of the lgbtqia+ community and teens who identify beyond the gender binary. Additionally, btc teens come from a variety of different faiths and religious backgrounds. Half of btc youth are metropolitan council for educational opportunities (metco) students or live within the Brookline housing authority, indicating they are growing up in a lower income household. Btc continues to be a place for Brookline teens to thrive and welcomes young people from all race, gender, sexual orientations, religious, and economic backgrounds.