'Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center Expands Operating Hours | Local News'

Santa Maria's Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center is extending its hours and offering tutoring programs starting in September.

The Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center in Santa Maria is excited to announce that it will be extending its hours of operation starting Friday, September 1st. This is great news for the community, as it provides more opportunities for teens to engage in recreational activities and socialize in a safe and supervised setting.

The Youth Center will now be open from 3:30pm to 8pm Monday through Thursday, 3:30pm to 9pm on Fridays, and 12pm to 9pm on Saturdays. These extended hours allow for more flexibility and accommodate the schedules of busy teens.

In addition to the extended hours, the Youth Center will also be resuming its tutoring program in September. Through a partnership with Allan Hancock College, College Corps Fellows will be assigned to tutor teens in grades seven through 12. Tutoring sessions will take place from 3:30pm to 7:30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:30pm to 7:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 12pm to 5pm on Saturdays. This program provides valuable educational support for teens and helps them succeed academically.

It's important to note that the Youth Center will be closed on Monday, September 4th in observance of Labor Day. However, it will be open for regular hours on all other days.

The Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center offers a wide range of amenities for teens to enjoy. These include an arcade, art studio, basketball courts, a computer lab, fitness center, home theater, musical instruments, and even a photo booth. With such a variety of activities available, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The Youth Center is also the hub for popular programs such as self-defense instruction, social events, and yoga classes for girls. It also offers Teen Trails, Teen Treks, the Great Mystery Series, and leadership clubs like Full STEAM Ahead and Key Club. These programs provide opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and social engagement.

Membership to the Youth Center is completely free for teens ages 12 through 18 who are attending grades seven through 12. This makes it accessible to all teens in the community, regardless of their financial situation.

For those looking for a bite to eat, the McClelland Street Market located within the Youth Center offers hot and pre-packaged foods for purchase. The market is open from 8am to 7pm on weekdays and from 12pm to 7pm on Saturdays. This provides a convenient option for teens who may get hungry during their visit to the Youth Center.

The extension of hours and the resumption of the tutoring program at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center are part of the broader Smart City, Safe City programs. These programs aim to support the City Council's goal of providing more recreation opportunities for families and the Recreation and Parks Department's goal of creating opportunities for social engagement.

If you have any questions about the Youth Center or its programs, feel free to reach out to the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department at 805-925-0951 ext. 2260. They will be happy to assist you.