This grant will pay construction costs for courtyard accessibility and renovation of the entry, office space, bathrooms, computer room, and kitchen.
The Santa Barbara Police Activities League (SBPAL) operates the Twelve35 Teen Center which offers after-school activities for 263 young people ages 11-18. Programs include mentoring, academic advising, and tutoring services.
Ninety-five percent of SBPAL participants are low- to very low-income; 80% of SBPAL graduates are the first in their families to pursue education beyond high school.
Renovations to the teen center will improve safety, accessibility, and functionality. The entry will be reconfigured to be more secure. An ADA lift will be added to an exterior courtyard entrance. An office will be enlarged to accommodate group counseling. The snack area will be converted into a full kitchen so teens can prepare meals together. Bathrooms will be upgraded, and the computer room will be refurbished.
The renovations will make the center more welcoming and are expected to result in increased enrollment.
