Youth Programs at the Discovery Center

We believe youth play an active role in solving today and tomorrow’s toughest challenges—and we’re excited to share resources and present programs that highlight how youth are shaping their local and global communities, now and in the future. Our youth programs include a spring Teen Action Fair, Take Action Summer Workshops, and our Youth Ambassador Program.

Youth Ambassador Program (YAP)

YAP is a yearlong program for high school-aged youth who care deeply about fostering inclusion and belonging, want to raise awareness about local and global issues, and create youth-focused programs and exhibits to inspire positive social change. Youth Ambassadors spearhead community outreach efforts, organize the Teen Action Fair, co-facilitate the Youth Summer Workshops, and develop leadership, empathy, and collaboration skills along the way.

Applications for 2021-2022 are open. Learn more.

Teen Action Fair

Celebrate youth-driven change at the Discovery Center's annual Teen Action Fair (TAF) held in March each year. At the day-long event, attendees will connect with youth and organizations working to make a difference in their local and global communities through volunteering, art, social justice campaigns, and more. This celebration features hands-on activities, powerful live performances, youth-led open mic,  art showcase, give back activities, and over 30 youth-driven and youth-focused organizations.

Take Action Summer Workshops 

Each summer the Discovery Center hosts week-long workshops for middle and high school students during the month of July. Participants learn about local and global issues, develop leadership skills, and explore the crucial role youth have in creating positive social change. Workshops include presentations by youth activists, Gates Foundation staff, community leaders, dialogues facilitated by the Discovery Center’s Youth Ambassadors, and action projects. Find out about organizations that are working to address local and global social issues. For 2021, the workshops will be held virtually.

Learn more and register below.

For more information about Youth Programs, contact us: [email protected]