Community Hub
Free creative programs for teens age 12-19 at Community Centers and Teen Centers citywide.
At Community Hub, we're creating together. Come through for community and self-care. Find real support and ways to express yourself. Discover your next creative outlet!
Community Hub offers FREE programs for youth ages 12-19 at locations across Seattle. All supplies, equipment, and snacks are provided.
- Drop-In Programs do not require registration. No need to sign up, just pull up!
- Cohort Programs require registration and attendance at all sessions. Contact the center to sign up!
Instruction provided in English. Language support is available upon request.
Questions? Teen.Programs@seattle.gov
Schedule of Activities – SUMMER 2026
See below for specific offerings at Bitter Lake, Rainier, and Rainier Beach community centers plus Garfield, Meadowbrook, and Southwest Teen Life centers.
| Location | Name of Program | Description | Enrollment Info | Schedule |
| Bitter Lake Community Center | Passion for Fashion + Custom Fits: Intro to Hand + Machine Sewing, Clothing Modification, and Upcycling |
In this series, students will gain skills that will inspire and empower them to construct, modify, and stylize unique clothing and accessories for maximum self-expression while refreshing those Goodwill bins finds and yesterday’s clothing languishing in closets unworn, bringing pieces of fabric to life. Led by teaching artists Lauren Holloway and Antonio Washington. Offered by OAC. | Drop-In (no registration needed). Ages 12-19. FREE. |
Fridays |
| Bitter Lake Community Center | Wearable Creativity | A design program for youth to explore elements of design to put on garments. Teens will walk away with garments made from their creativity. Led by teaching artist Greg Thornton. Offered by OAC. | Drop-In (no registration needed). Ages 12-19. FREE. | Mondays 1-3pm (July 6 - Aug 24) |
| Bitter Lake Community Center | Polish & Pop | This hands-on program transforms an interest and passion for learning nail design into a foundation for personal growth. Teens will learn precision nail salon techniques, detailed art design, and the step-by-step mechanics of running an independent beauty business. Guided by a supportive adult mentor, participants will practice stress-relief through creativity and connect with a caring community. Offered by SPR. | Drop-In (no registration needed). Ages 13-19. FREE. | Fridays 7-9:30pm (July 17, July 31, Aug. 7, Aug. 21 only) |
| Garfield Teen Life Center | Girls Group | More than a program, this group is a protective, empowering sisterhood space that nurtures mental health, resilience, and leadership. By providing intentional weekly gatherings and structured outings, Garfield Teen Life Center ensures that young women are not only supported but seen, heard, and valued. Offered by SPR. |
Drop-In (no registration needed). Ages 13-18. FREE. | Wednesdays 3-6pm (July 1 - 22) |
| Garfield Teen Life Center | Roots and Recipes Summer Leadership Camp |
A six-week cohort program at Garfield Teen Life Center for middle to high school youth. Through weekly cooking sessions, cultural storytelling, financial literacy, wellness workshops, outdoor adventures, and community service, participants explore identity, build real-world skills, and connect with their community. Teens choose and prepare dishes rooted in their own cultural backgrounds, engage in peer support circles, and take part in field trips and recreational outings throughout the summer. Offered by SPR. | Cohort Program (registraton and consistent attendance required). Ages 12-19. FREE. |
Wednesdays & Thursdays |
| Garfield Teen Life Center | Imagination Enterprise | In this visual arts based class teens will tell their stories through narrative and personal creativity, and explore creating products that could be sold in a pop-up store or a gallery set up. Led by teaching artist Greg Thornton. Offered by OAC. | Drop-In (no registration needed). Ages 12-19. FREE. | Wednesdays 1-3pm (July 8 - Aug. 26) |
| Garfield Teen Life Center | Therateen Program | A therapeutic-based initiative designed to support teens' emotional well-being and personal development. Incorporates structured, calming activities that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and controlled breathing techniques. Through guided exercises and engaging therapeutic activities, participants develop healthy coping skills, improve self-regulation, and build strategies to manage stress in a supportive and structured environment. Offered by SPR. | Drop-In (no registration needed). Ages 13-19. FREE. | Tues, Wed, Thurs 12-7pm (July 1 - Sept. 2) |
| Garfield Teen Life Center | Act It So You Can Create It | Join teaching artist Olu Dixon for this improv-based class that creates a safe and supportive space for students to let go, imagine, and express themselves freely. Through collaborative activities and on-the-spot thinking, students will work together to build scenes, ideas, and stories while strengthening confidence, creativity, and communication. Focus is on self-expression, teamwork, and learning how to trust their instincts in the moment. Offered by OAC. | Drop-In (no registration needed). Ages 12-19. FREE. | Thursdays 1-3pm (July 9 - Aug. 27) |
| Meadowbrook Teen Life Center | Real Talk Teen Circle | An 8-week youth leadership and wellness cohort that provides an identity-affirming space where teens can build emotional literacy, strengthen peer relationships, develop practical coping skills, and increase awareness of mental health resources available within their community. The program combines non-clinical mental health and wellness activities, guided discussions, peer connection, leadership development, and exposure to community mental health supports. As a capstone project, participants will work alongside adult mentors to design and host a Back-to-School Mental Wellness Event. Offered by SPR. | Cohort Program (registraton and consistent attendance required). Ages 13-19. FREE. | Wednesdays 3-5pm (July 8 - Aug. 28) |
| Meadowbrook Teen Life Center | The Nest: Birds & Balance |
An 8-week drop-in program where teens engage in nature exploration. Through guided birdwatching walks, participants learn basic bird identification, observe wildlife behavior, and explore local habitats while developing curiosity, social connection, and environmental awareness. Offered by SPR. | Drop-In (no registration needed). Ages 12-19. FREE. | Tuesdays 3-5pm (July 7 - Aug. 25) |
| Meadowbrook Teen Life Center | 2026 Summer Art Montage | Explore art exhibits featuring new or unfamiliar art! Teens will engage in discussion and creative exercises, encouraging self-expression, perspective-taking, social connection, and meaningful dialogue in a supportive environment. Participants will also have opportunities to speak directly with artists and curators, fostering curiosity, community engagement, confidence-building, and exploration of new creative interests. Offered by SPR. | Drop-In (no registration needed). Ages 14-19. FREE. | Wednesdays through Saturdays, contact site for full schedule (July 3 - Aug. 20) |
| Meadowbrook Teen Life Center | Mind Over Matter: Back To School Kickback | Designed to increase youth awareness of mental health resources and promote healthy coping strategies as they prepare for the upcoming school year. Teens will be introduced to diverse strategies for supporting emotional well-being while also learning about free, community-based mental health services available to them. The event will feature dinner, interactive mental health activities/games, resource booths, giveaways and opportunities for youth connection and support. Participants will receive self-care and school supply kits to help them begin the school year equipped with both practical resources and tools to support their mental health and overall well-being. Offered by SPR. | Event open to the public, for ages 12-19. FREE. | one time event from 5-9pm (Aug. 28) |
| Meadowbrook Teen Life Center | Inside Out: Art, Identity & Becoming |
A trauma-informed art workshop series led by teaching artist Charde' Brown, where teens can explore identity, emotions, confidence, coping, and personal growth through approachable mixed-media projects. Participants do not need any previous art experience. Offers a welcoming space to experiment, reflect, and express what may be difficult to communicate with words. Every session will stand on its own, so teens can have a meaningful experience whether they attend one workshop or the full series. Offered by OAC. | Drop-In (no registration needed). Ages 12-19. FREE. | Tuesdays 1 -3pm (July 7 - Aug. 25) |
| Meadowbrook Teen Life Center | Nation of Poets: Finding Your Voice | Through creative writing, spoken word, and storytelling, students will explore poetry as a way to express themselves, build confidence, and connect with others. Drawing inspiration from Somali oral traditions and contemporary poetry, participants will learn poetic techniques, write original poems, collaborate with their peers, and share their voices in a welcoming and supportive environment that celebrates creativity, identity, and authentic self-expression. Led by spoken word artist Najib Abbi. Offered by OAC. | Drop-In (no registration needed). Ages 12-19. FREE. | Wednesdays 1-3pm (July 8 - Aug. 26) |
| Rainier Beach Community Center | Foundation of Breaking and Funk Styles with Massive Monkees | Explores the original foundation of Breaking (Break Dancing) and Funk Styles (Popping, Locking and The Robot). Students will learn core moves, vocabulary, and techniques every B-boy and B-girl needs to level up. Led by FlowFunk of the Massive Monkees Crew and Extraordinary Futures, this class pushes students to train smart, move strong, and discover what their bodies can do. Through drills, conditioning, and freestyle practice, dancers will build strength, coordination, flexibility, and mindset—all while learning how to take risks, rep the culture, and bring their own flavor to the floor. High-energy, challenging, and fun—perfect for anyone ready to learn the foundation and turn it into their own. Offered by OAC. | Drop-In (no registration needed). Ages 12-19. FREE. |
Mondays |
| Rainier Beach Community Center | Creative Sound Space | A free, youth-centered music production and recording program designed to promote creativity, self-expression, skill development, and emotional wellbeing through music. Participants have access to a fully equipped recording studio where they can learn music production, audio engineering, songwriting, recording, and mixing while receiving guidance and mentorship from trained staff. Offered by SPR. | Drop-In (no registration needed). Ages 12-19. FREE. |
Tuesdays & Fridays |
| Rainier Community Center | Calm and Click Hub | A 2-week, low-barrier creative space designed to support youth mental health and emotional regulation through a blend of 3D technology, tactile making, and sensory grounding. Unlike a rigid class, this is a drop-in space featuring dimmed lighting, lo-fi music, and tactile tools. Youth can stop by for 10 minutes to make a quick project or stay longer to co-create custom 3D printed key caps, decompress, and chat. Offered by SPR. | Drop-In (no registration needed). Ages 12-19. FREE. |
2 Tuesdays |
| Rainier Community Center | Hip Hop Dance for Wellness | A 7-week, workshop-based movement program designed to support youth mental health through creative expression, collaboration, and reflective practice. Using hip hop dance as the artistic medium, participants engage in inquiry, dialogue, peer feedback, and co-create, to build confidence, emotional awareness, and social connection. Offered by SPR. | Drop-In (no registration needed). Ages 12-19. FREE. | Mondays & Thursdays 4:30-5:30pm (July 13 - Aug 27) |
| Rainier Community Center | Passion for Fashion + Custom Fits: Intro to Hand + Machine Sewing, Clothing Modification, and Upcycling |
Students will be inspired and empowered to construct, modify, and stylize unique clothing and accessories for maximum self-expression while refreshing those Goodwill bins finds and yesterday’s clothing languishing in closets unworn and bringing pieces of fabric to life. Led by Lauren Holloway and Catherine Palpallatoc. Offered by OAC. | Drop-In (no registration needed). Ages 12-19. FREE. | Wednesdays 4:30 -6:30pm (July 8 - Aug. 26) |
| Rainier Community Center | Purpose in Motion: Youth Wellness & Storytelling Project | A 4-session healing-centered youth leadership initiative designed to help young people strengthen mental wellness, develop resilience, build leadership skills, and transform personal experiences into community action. Through interactive workshops, peer connection, reflection activities, leadership development, and documentary film making, participants will gain tools to manage stress, strengthen self-confidence, and create positive change within their communities. Offered by SPR. | Cohort Program (registraton and consistent attendance required). Ages 12-19. FREE. | Mondays 11am-2pm (Aug. 3 - 24) |
| Southwest Teen Life Center | Healing Through Arts: Explore Healing & Self Expression | Designed to provide youth with a creative outlet for emotional expression and healing. This program encourages participants to explore various art forms like painting, music, dance and drama as a means of coping with challenges and fostering personal growth. Offered by SPR. | Cohort Program (registraton and consistent attendance required). Ages 13-19. FREE. | Tuesdays 4-6pm (July 9 - Aug. 31) |
| Southwest Teen Life Center | Creative Flow Youth Art Studio | A creative art studio exploring painting, jewelry making, abstract art, and mixed-media projects. Led by teaching artist Malika Bennett, this class is a fun, supportive space that encourages imagination and self-expression. Led by teaching artist Malika Bennett. Offered by OAC. | Drop-In (no registration needed). Ages 12-19. FREE. | Tuesdays 4 -6pm (July 7 - Aug. 25) |
| Southwest Teen Life Center | The Music Lab | Explore the art of creating music lyrically and vocally. Learn to increase your songwriting, vocal ability and music production skills at the Music Lab. We want to see you cook! Led by teaching artist Erica Merritt. Offered by OAC. | Drop-In (no registration needed). Ages 12-19. FREE. |
Thursdays |
| Southwest Teen Life Center | Kings in the Making: Young Men’s Leadership & Life Skills Initiative | A10-week cohort-based leadership and personal development program for young men. Through weekly brotherhood circles, interactive workshops, mentorship, team-building activities, and community engagement, participants will explore topics such as identity, emotional intelligence, healthy relationships, leadership, goal setting, financial literacy, and career readiness. Participants will engage in discussions, activities, challenges, and service-learning projects that strengthen communication skills, resilience, self-awareness, and community responsibility. Offered by SPR. | Cohort Program (registraton and consistent attendance required). Ages 13-19. FREE. | Tuesdays & Thursdays 5-7pm (July 7 - Sept. 15) |
Drop-in programs are FREE, no pre-registration and no adult permission required for on-site programs. Cohort Programs require registration and attendance at all sessions. Contact the community center to sign up!
Programs may fill as capacity is limited by facility space, which varies by program location.
Participant E-13 Form required for programs requiring off-site travel or transportation in City vehicles.
For more info, contact the Community Center where your program is located.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Funding for Community Hub comes from the Families, Education, Preschool, & Promise Levy. [Learn more]
In response to the City of Seattle Innovation & Performance team’s 2024 Youth Mental Health Report, three City departments joined forces to co-create an innovative youth wellness program called Community Hub. The idea addresses multiple needs voiced by youth, community, and stakeholders.
The Community Hub is activated through a partnership between Seattle Parks & Recreation (SPR), the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL), and the Office of Arts & Culture (OAC). Together we’re amplifying our collective resources to offer free arts engagement opportunities for Seattle teens and young adults.
Our goals are to boost:
- Relationships with trusted adults
- Access to safe, identity-affirming spaces
- Mental health and wellness literacy
- Social-emotional skills
- Relationships with supportive peers
Youth and young adults up to age 24 in Seattle are also eligible for free mental health therapy. Learn more here: www.seattle.gov/youthmentalhealth