Youth Development Center
230 E. Crosstown Parkway
Phone Number 337-8009
Hours of operation:
Mon & Fri: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tues, Wed, Thurs: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Beginning June 25 through August 28
Friday Night: Open until 11 p.m. for Teen Night
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY CENTER (CTC)
Computer and open lab times are available FREE OF CHARGE for both youth and adults. Open times for our use of computers are available during our Youth Development Center hours of operation.
Software available at the Center
Microsoft Excel
Software for creating tables and spreadsheets
Microsoft Word
Software for word processing, creating text documents, printing, paragraph layout, outlines
Microsoft Publisher
MS Publisher is a software program meant to create brochures, flyers, signs, calendars, invitations, and many other applications.
Microsoft PowerPoint All Ages
MS PowerPoint is used to create on-screen presentations.
Typing Software All Ages
A learn-to-type tutorial software program geared toward teaching the participant typing skills necessary for using the computer. This will be an ongoing drop-in with one-on-one assistance, as needed.
Open Lab Hours
Open lab hours are held during our Youth Development Center hours of operation to anyone who would like to work on the computer (practice, e-mail, web surfing, etc.).
YDC Art Gallery
If you or someone you know wants to display artwork at the YDC please call us to schedule a show, 337-8009. We participate each month in the Greater Kalamazoo Art Hop from 5:30-7:30 p.m. (see below).
Art Hop
Sponsored by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo Join us at the Hop! The youth involved in city programs, local schools and other agencies will have their art on display at the Youth Development Center located at 230 E. Crosstown Parkway. Art Hop is held on the first Friday of each month, galleries open from 4-10:00 p.m. For details about the art at the Youth Development Center call the Recreation office: 337-8191.
Art Hop is a free event that features new art exhibits in a fun, casual atmosphere. Numerous galleries and businesses host a variety of artwork, and you can hop around form one exhibit to the other. You also have the opportunity to meet the artists. For more information about local Art Hop sites call the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo at 342-5059.
Leadership Opportunities
YDC Teen Night
The Youth Development Center is offering teens an opportunity to meet with their friends one night a week for a variety of activities! Join your friends for games, movies, art*, music and great conversation. Do you want an Open Mic Night? Or a poetry night? Come and visit find out what the YDC is all about!
Who: Middle and High School students
When: 7 11:00 p.m. Fridays beginning June 18
Where: Youth Development Center
Cost: Free
Kalamazoo Public Safety/ Leadership Academy
This Leadership Academy was established to provide cadets (ages 13-18) with a structured one week learning environment. During the Academy the cadets will be challenged both mentally and physically in key aspects of leadership.
When: June 20-25 19, 2010 for boys 13-18
Aug. 13 18, 2010 for girls 13-18
Where: Fort Custer Training Base
Application/Selection: Thirty male and thirty female applicants will be selected to participate in this one week Academy. Youth who are interested must live with in the city limits and be 13-18 years in age. Each interested youth must fill out an application; go through an interview and selection process and will be notified if they are selected. For the applications and more information contact Public Safety at 337-8260 or email skibbek@kalamazoocity.org.
Entrepreneurial Programs
Counselor In Training (3682)
The CIT program is for teens that have an interest in working with children. CITs will receive hands on experience in learning leadership skills by working with youth in group activities at many of our program sites. Successful completion of this program provides volunteer experience, which will increase the probability of employment with the City of Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation Department. As part of the Summer Youth Employment Program, for teens ages 14 - 17 years old may qualify to receive, depending on funding, a minimum wage for a 20-25 hour work week. All potential CITS must contact the Youth Development Center, 337-8009 and for further information
Babysitting Class (3738)
Earn some money over the summer by babysitting! Learn the basic skills that all babysitters need to know - first aid, diaper duty, interactive games and how to handle emergencies. Leave with an infant/child CPR Card, a Babysitting certification, an emergency reference guide, babysitting handbook and CD Rom packed with resources to help keep your business thriving. That is a whole lot of knowledge to share with your future clients. Bring a sack lunch. The American Red Cross teaches this class. Registration deadline is May 28.
Who: Youth ages 10 years old and up
When: Saturday, June 5 from 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Where: Youth Development Center,
230 E. Crosstown Parkway
Cost: $45 City and non city residents
Future Chefs (3695)
Improve your cooking skills and prepare for employment in the food service industry. Learn to cook with talented chef Channon Mondoux of Renaissance Cuisine and Fair Food Matters, an educational resource for food issues related to health, environment and social justice. This program includes field trips, guest presenters and volunteer opportunities to help enhance future employment, such as: The Can-Do Kitchen, Food Dance Cafι, A Food Affair and The Growing Matters Garden. A letter of interest or a letter of recommendation is required to participate in this program. Participants will leave with a certificate of successful completion and a letter of reference.
Who: Teens ages 12 18 years old
*Class divided into age appropriate groups
When: 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Wednesday
*Field Trips before or after class
June 23 August 4, (no class July 7)
Where: Oakwood Neighborhood Center,
3320 Laird
Cost: $15 City Residents
$30 Non-City Residents
Adult Classes @ the YDC
Adult Ceramics
Ceramics classes are ongoing and participants may attend at their own convenience. There is a class fee of $2 per class plus materials for 55 and over and $3 per class under age 55; materials not included. Bev Willie and Tina Krum teach classes. For more information call the Parks and Recreation office at 337-8191.
Class Times & Locations
Youth Development Center
230 E. Crosstown Pkwy.
Wednesday: 9 12 p.m.
12 noon 2 p.m.
Youth Development Center For More Information Call 337-8009
Download our Registration Form (.pdf).
