Program Components
* Weekly Saturday Sessions
Meetings take place every Saturday mornings from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM. All sessions are youth led and youth driven. Topic sessions are chosen by teens and frequently include guest speakers on topics such as personal finance, decision making, environmental awareness, creating healthy lifestyles, career awareness, conflict resolution, teen sexuality and any other issues that pique their interest.
* Solutions Theater
TIC's Theater Project is part of its leadership component that has been in existence since 1995 that started out as an opportunity in allowing youth participants to display their talents at its annual banquet. Youth participants used their God given talents by creating a form of art that spoke on social change through theatrical performances. After the first annual banquet, youth participants of Teenagers In Charge decided that this should be a program because they have co-written, produced skits and plays on real life issues. Youth participants display their talents through drama, poetry, song, movement and dance.
The two-hour workshop sessions are for teens who are interested in learning how to re-direct their energy in a positive way. The sessions are very interactive and fun! Teens who are serious about wanting to make a change in their life may benefit from these sessions. Workshop sessions include but are not limited to conflict resolution, anger management, domestic violence, drug intervention and prevention while also having the opportunity to learn about Theater 101.
* Team Mentoring
TIC's team mentoring component include young adults to seniors who have an interest in working with youth. Today, TIC's mentors also include former youth participants that serve as mentors. Mentors can serve in any capacity where they can be helpful such as tutoring, social outings, or facilitatators just to name a few. This component has been in place since the inception of the organization.
* Trips
The field trips allow youth to attend local and out of state museums, concerts, themed parks, plays, etc. that youth otherwise may not have the opportunity to visit. Trips are coordinated by youth participants and often times sponsored by corporate, individual or private donor.
* Community Outreach and Service
TIC endeavors to make a difference in the community by participating in local projects. Our signature event with Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown Warmth In Winter has been a hughe success. Other community service projects include TIC's Annual Toys for Tots Drive in collaboration with Drexel University, The City of Philadelphia's One Book One Philadelphia, Million Book Project and a host of other local service project. All community service projects are coordinated by TIC youth participants.
* Youth As Leaders
TIC has a youth advisory board that meet once a month to set the agenda and put into action what the organization needs. Members of this group meet with other youth organizations for training, proposal writing and partnering on service projects. All youth are invited to participate in the center's Advisory Board Meetings held once a month.
* Parent Meetings
TIC hosts a minimum of three (3) Parent Meetings throughout the year. This is in place so that parents are kept informed about their child's progress and raise any issues, awareness or concerns.
Special Note:
TIC recognizes the importance of volunteerism and thus hosts an annual year- end recognition scholarship luncheon. Participating youth receive certificates, plaques while graduating seniors are awarded an academic scholarship and/or book scholarship to the school they plan to attend.
To learn about how to become volunteer, call us at (215) 879-0764.