Teens

Education - since september 2002, Teens, Inc. has offered an alternative high school program, chinook west, to area youth who are at risk or have already dropped out. Chinook west's mission is to support and promote each student's educational goals and life aspirations. Upon graduation, chinook west students are prepared to make responsible choices about emotional and personal well-being and have the life and academic skills to accomplish their goals. In september 2015, Teens, Inc. began administering the secondary and post secondary education programming at lookout mountain youth service center - the largest youth corrections facility in the state. Lookout academy serves 148 incarcerated boys. The contract to administer lookout academy is self-sustaining with the Colorado division of youth services. In august 2019, after two preschools in nederland abruptly closed, Teens, Inc. began new explorers learning center, the only year-round preschool in nederland.

Outdoor leadership-after school rock climbing program and summer leadership retreats ranging from 5-12 days that build life and leadership skills in youth participants recreation - no cost teen center open 20.5 hours/week during the school year and 32 hours during the summer. Provides a safe and educational environment where youth can recreate, utilize computers, prepare food and build relationships with non-parent adult role models. Teens, Inc. also offers drop in play for youth 0-11 and coordinates a youth soccer league that has over 100 participants each year.

Youth employment - Teens Inc employment programs are designed to help youth learn marketable skills, fill a community need, and aid each teen'Teens's personal growth. Teens, Inc. employment opportunities provide Teens with role models, mentoring, and structure that help them through the turbulence that often accompanies adolesdcence. Teens, Inc. has expanded its youth employment program and employs over 85 youth each year in 3 different employment programs. To participate in any Teens Inc. employment programs, youth employees must be in school or actively working toward their degree.

Community initiatives Teens, Inc. has three community initiatives. 1)a prevention coalition that utilizes an evidence based process aimed at reducing substance abuse among youth. 2) a restorative justice initiative with the goal to reduce suspensions at local schools as well as juvenile crime throughout the community.3) a social emotional learning initiative that implements an evidence based skill building curriculum at nederland elementary school.