The Launch Pad Teen Center is an all-inclusive, youth driven and focused space. They have been providing programming that is culturally relevant to teens in Yavapai County since opening in 2013. Having moved twice, they are now settled in their newly complete home base: a 5,400 square foot warehouse on 6th Street in Prescott! Their fearless and vivacious leader, Executive Director and Founder Courtney Osterfelt, has been a powerful force for good in Yavapai County for many years and has received many well deserved community awards.
The Launch Pad Center is a Youth Driven Space (YDS). This means they believe in centering youth voice and agency in all levels of programming and decision making. The YDS philosophy is based on a program called the Neutral Teen Center in Ann Arbor Michigan.
The Launch Pad's Youth Driven Space uses out-of-school-time programs where teens use the actual operation of the organization to build skills, increase participation and develop appropriate skill building in older teens. Learn more about YDS Here
A great example of the Youth Driven Space philosophy is The Launch Pad's Moon Cafe which is open to all teens as well as the public.
Paid teen apprentices are trained to make everything from smoothies to fancy coffee Drinks. Local teens and community members can grab a sandwhich, snack or beverage and hang out in their amazing lounge area. Teens run the Cafe and learn the skills of running a small business and managing a team.
Learn more about The Moon Cafe Here!
The Launch Pad recognizes that teen and adolescent development depends on variety and even novelty. Their weekly out-of-school programs include everything from Music to Dungeon's and Dragons Role Playing Clubs. A new Calendar is released at the start of every month. Check out the programming here.
.jpg)
The Best for Teens Group is a community collaboration among teens, parents, community members, nonprofits and service agencies. The group is inviting local agencies to participate and add their names to the list of collaborators.
The Best for Teens Community Meeting is a great opportunity to get information out across the community and connect with other organizations looking to support local teens. Attendance at the meeting means coming to the table for conversations about what is going on in the community for teens, what needs there are and what resources are available.
So far the list includes: YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Prism Network, The Launch Pad Teen Center, Yavapai CASA for Kids ,PUSD, Family Involvement Center, Juvenile Detention, Child and Family Support Services, Youth Advocacy Program, Polara Health, One N Ten, Community Counts, Northstar, Verde Valley JPO,YC Community Health Services, Verde Tech High School, Yavapai Justice and Mental Health Coalition, Esquire Sports, Spectrum Healthcare, City of Prescott Teen Task Force, MatForce, local community members, parents and teens.
The Team recognizes how busy everyone is and is now meeting just once per quarter! Join the team for a teen led community conversation about what is going well for teens in Yavapai County and what we need to improve.
The next meeting is January 17th, 2023 at The Launch Pad or by Zoom
For more information contact Joy Goff joy@thelaunchpadteencenter.org.
The Launch Pad partners with One n Ten to bring meaningful and fun LGBTQ+ specific programming every week. The goal is to enhance teens lives by providing empowering social and service programs that promote self‐expression, self‐acceptance, leadership development, and healthy life choices.
One•n•ten is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization based in Phoenix dedicated to serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. We provide youth with tools to improve self-esteem and self-acceptance.
Check out the weekly programming in advance: https://onenten.org/satellite-locations/
For more information about The Launch Pad Teen Center Click Here
You can also call at 928-227-0758
The Launch Pad is located at 424 6th Street Prescott
Hours of Operation are: Mon & Tues 2:30pm-7pmWeds, Th, & Fri 2:30pm-9pmSaturday 5pm-9pm
