In 2020, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley and Teen Services Sonoma began discussions to merge the two organizations in an effort to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of programs available to teens in Sonoma Valley. The two organizations began working jointly out of the Teen Services Sonoma space at 17440 Sonoma Highway as discussions continued about possibly merging the organizations formally.
The merger was finalized in March of 2021. The teen programs of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley are now known as Teen Services. Teen Services Sonoma will still include all the wonderful workforce and career readiness programs it was so well known for, as well as the academic support, leadership, volunteerism, and post-secondary preparedness programs of Boys & Girls Clubs. Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley is honored to carry forward the tremendous legacy of Teen Services and all the incredible folks who made it the success it was for so many years.
2022-23 School Year Program Information
For information on currently scheduled programs and activities, please contact Eric Gonzalez at [email protected], visit the program-specific pages below, or visit our Instagram or Facebook pages.
Lovin’ Oven Culinary Academy
The Lovin’ Oven Culinary Academy is a hands-on cooking program designed for teens who are interested in working in the culinary industry. The free 30-hour course is offered 6 times each year and features food handling classes, knife skills, commercial kitchen and equipment basics, cooking techniques, job shadowing, and much more. After completion of the program, teens receive a Culinary Certificate, job references, and a $100 stipend. They’ll also qualify for an interview with one of our hospitality partners!
Learn more about Lovin’ Oven here.
Ready to Work
Our Ready to Work program features a series of highly interactive and engaging workshops taught by industry professionals that focuses on preparing teens for the workforce. The workshops include a wide variety of topics, including Orientation and Job Skills, the Resume and Application Process, Money Management, Networking Skills, and Interview Attire. Teens will also have the opportunity to participate in mock interviews and ongoing Job Coaching to ensure their success after completion of the program.
Learn more about Ready to Work here.
College & Career Exploration
Our College & Career Exploration program offers valuable opportunities for teens to explore their options after High School. This includes free college and trade school tours throughout the year, as well as job site tours and job coaching. We also partner with the Sonoma Valley High School College and Career Center to offer workshops on Financial Aid and College applications. There are many exciting opportunities for teens to explore higher education and future careers!
Learn more about our College & Career Exploration program here.
Youth Development Internship
In partnership with the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation, our Youth Development Internship program is a paid internship for Sonoma Valley teens who are trained to be able to work alongside Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley staff to support younger Club members with homework, program supervision, and mentorship.
Learn more about our Youth Development Internship program here.
Keystone Club – Leadership for All
Keystone Club is a leadership program that meets weekly to discuss leadership values and ways to better our community. It includes teens from all walks of life who are interested in making a difference and finding their voice with other like-minded teens. We host activities for community partners and volunteer at a variety of local non-profits and special events. It’s fun, engaging, and a great opportunity to develop life-long leadership skills!
Learn more about Keystone Club here.
Operation Bicycle
Operation Bicycle is a community bike shop offering maintenance, repairs, and sales to the general public. Working alongside staff and volunteers, teens learn valuable mechanical, small business, and customer service skills. Teens also have the opportunity to earn their own bicycle by refurbishing a donated one.
Learn more about Operation Bicycle here.
Some of the other services and programs we offer include:
- Ongoing support from staff and volunteers who are committed to ensuring teens’ path to success
- 1:1 case management with college and career counselors
- College readiness support, including SAT prep, application fees, college tours, and more
- Work-readiness, with assistance in resume building, on-site job tours, and interviewing skills
- Scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors
- Peer-driven service-based leadership development and volunteer opportunities
- Girls United, a discussion group focusing on sensitive issues like developing healthy relationships, bullying, drug and alcohol use, and body empowerment
- Sports Club, Healthy Cooking, and Art Therapy
Volunteer Opportunities & Community Engagement
Helping our community is a vital part of our programs, with our teens typically completing over 800 volunteer hours each year. Whether you’re looking for hours or support with a senior project, hours for a class, or would simply like to experience volunteering in the community, our staff can help you find the perfect opportunity!
Learn more about our Volunteer Opportunities & Community Engagement program here.
Teen Services
17440 Sonoma Highway
Sonoma, CA 954576
Serving grades 9th through 12th
Eric Gonzalez, VP of Teen Services
(707) 775-1284
[email protected]