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After long school days filled with tests, new assignments and peer drama, high school senior Alex Grantham often seeks a moment of peace. For the past seven years, he’s found respite at The Salvation Army Tehachapi Community Center’s after-school program for middle and high school students.
“I’ve always had a good time here,” Grantham said. “It’s been a normal but positive part of my day.”
Over the past decade, the free program has offered students a safe environment and opportunities for personal growth and learning in an area with minimal after-school programs for teens.
“It’s definitely a need that we’re helping meet,” said Tehachapi Youth Development Coordinator Kyle Yates.
Yates has helped operate the program since 2021. He said until two years ago, it was the only after-school program catering to middle and high school students in the area.
Today, the program sees upwards of 30 students a day.
“Tehachapi is a small town,” Yates said. “Unless a student is involved in an extracurricular activity or sports, there’s not a whole lot to do after school hours.”
According to 2022 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the city, located about 100 miles north of Los Angeles, boasts a population of around 13,000 people, with 20 percent of its residents under 18.
Yates said some teens attend the program daily while their parents work late. Other parents use the program in cases of unexpected events so kids and teens aren’t left unattended.
“It’s an open structured program,” Yates said. “We want to make sure it’s convenient for parents and kids.”
Yates works to implement activities that promote positive youth development, including academic support, social-emotional learning, leadership development and exposure to community service.
“Things in life can become chaotic or uncertain, especially at their age. But what remains is us and our support to them.”
Kyle Yates, Tehachapi Youth Development Coordinator
Each day, students arrive and unwind from the school day by having refreshments and socializing with their peers.
“I like it because it’s very relaxed,” said eighth-grade student Ashley Thomas. “It’s kind of like free time to just use how we want.”
Students complete homework in the computer lab, create arts and crafts, play board games and use the on-site arcade.
Yates said he encourages students to come to him for conversation or support if they have a challenging day or obstacle.
“Things in life can become chaotic or uncertain, especially at their age,” Yates said. “But what remains is us and our support to them. That’s something they can look forward to and that consistency helps out quite a few students’ mental and emotional well-being.”
Yates emphasized the program’s location within The Salvation Army offers additional benefits to students by introducing them to a community-centered organization and opportunities for volunteer work.
“Students learn about our organization’s values,” Yates said. “We involve them in activities such as packing food boxes, organizing the food pantry and unloading trucks, which allows them to see and understand volunteering.“
Learn more about volunteering with The Salvation Army.
- Visit volunteer.usawest.org to find volunteer opportunities near you.
- Get the guide on How To Be An Impactful Volunteer with nine habits to make a difference when giving back.
According to a study from The National Library of Medicine, youth participation or introduction to volunteer work and community service can raise social and political awareness among adolescents, foster their commitment to moral principles, cultivate their civic skills, boost self-esteem and improve academic outcomes.
“We try to cater toward everyone,” Yates said. “Each student may benefit a little differently from the program.”
Yates said he has witnessed the positive impact of the program on students, and many express gratitude. He said some have even returned after graduation to volunteer.
“Students know that we care for them,” Yates said. “They know we’re always here to talk to them. And even just having that opportunity, and knowing it’s available, can make them see they’re valued.”
For many students, like Grantham, the program is a stabilizing environment they can rely on.
When tasked with a senior-year assignment to interview someone who has influenced his life, he chose Yates.
“You can tell he cares about everyone that comes here,” Grantham said. “He’s an amazing person and is always helping people in any situation. I’ve never seen him get mad or frustrated; he’s always the mediator.”
For Yates, reaching students in any way that benefits them is a success.
“It makes me emotional because I get to see these students grow and learn,” Yates said. “And to hear them tell me how much the program means to them makes it worth everything.”
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