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B 26-0481

Teen Center Establishment Amendment Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Brooke Pinto

The Teen Center Establishment Act will create four safe centers in D.C. for teens, offering programs in academics, arts, and health to promote engagement and leadership.

Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0481 Published in the District of Columbia Register
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Bill Summary · B 26-0481

Summary of Bill B 26-0481: Teen Center Establishment Amendment Act of 2025

Purpose and Intent

The Teen Center Establishment Amendment Act of 2025 aims to create safe and engaging recreational spaces for youth in the District of Columbia. The bill seeks to address the lack of structured activities for teens, particularly those from under-resourced communities, by establishing comprehensive teen centers that provide various programs linked to academic and career development.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

  1. Establishment of Teen Centers:

    • Requires the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to open and operate at least four comprehensive teen centers, one in each quadrant of the District.

  2. Programming:
    Each teen center will offer a variety of programs, including:

    • Recreation and Health Services: Healthy refreshments, fitness activities, meditation, and recreational spaces.
    • Arts and Culture Programming: Access to visual, digital, and performing arts, creative writing, and media production.
    • Academic and Career Support: Tutoring, mentoring, financial literacy, college preparation, and workforce development.
    • Character-Building Opportunities: Leadership development, self-esteem building, service-learning, and conflict resolution activities.
    • Special Events: Community activities such as art shows, open mics, and game tournaments.

  3. Youth Advisory Councils:

    • Each center will establish a Youth Advisory Council to ensure that youth voices are included in the programming and operations of the centers.

  4. Funding:

    • The bill establishes the D.C. Teen Center Fund, which will be used to support the operations, staffing, and maintenance of the teen centers. This fund can receive local appropriations, federal grants, and private donations.

  5. Graduation Credits:

    • Participation in programs at the teen centers may count towards high school graduation requirements, promoting academic engagement.

  6. Operational Hours:

    • Centers will be open during after-school hours, weekends, and school breaks, ensuring accessibility for youth throughout the year.

  7. Staffing and Safety:

    • All staff and volunteers must undergo background checks and training in youth engagement and trauma-informed practices. The bill mandates a minimum staff-to-teen supervision ratio to ensure safety and quality of programs.

Impact

The Teen Center Establishment Amendment Act of 2025 is expected to positively impact youth in the District by:
- Providing safe and structured environments for recreation and learning.
- Reducing the risk of negative academic and behavioral outcomes among teens.
- Encouraging community engagement and youth leadership through advisory councils and programming.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: November 17, 2025
  • Referred to Committee: November 18, 2025

This legislation represents a significant step towards enhancing youth services in the District of Columbia, aiming to foster a supportive environment for personal and academic growth among teens.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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