Want to learn how you can make a difference in your city, county, state, and/or country? Check out these resources for more information:

Volunteer & Internship Opportunities

• American Civil Liberties Union Southern California
• American Red Cross
• Asian Pacific Islander Forward Movement 
• Asian Youth Center San Gabriel
• Chinatown Service Center Youth Center
• Human Rights Campaign Youth Ambassador Program 
• LA County District Attorney Volunteer Internship
• LA Works
• Los Angeles Civil Rights Office
• Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library Junior Friends
• Student Election Worker Volunteer Program
• Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley

State Resources

• California Center for Civic Participation is a non-profit civic education organization, engaging high school students by sparking their interest with exposure to real excitement of the democratic process. We believe that youth hold so much untapped and unlimited power to change their communities and their world and we exist to expose and nurture that power.
• Pre-Register to Vote at 16 and Vote at 18-Online pre-registration is now available for eligible 16 and 17 year olds. California youth who pre-register to vote will have their registration become active once they turn 18 years old. Pre-registration does not change the voting age, which is 18. Instead, it allows eligible Californians ages 16 or 17 to complete the online voter registration form providing sufficient time and opportunity to get ready to vote.

National Resources

Youth.gov provides an outline for youth to better understand civic engagement.

College Prep Resource for Teens

Local Resources

Chinatown Service Center-Youth Center offers academic, social, and vocational services and activities to youths in the community. We strive to provide services that promote the overall well-being and development of youths throughout different stages of life.

Scholarships

Asian American Economic Development Enterprises Scholarship

Monterey Park High School Scholarships

Helpful Online Articles

Applying for college

The Best Schools - Everything You Need to Know About Applying for College- We'll cover the process of applying to college in more depth. We'll help you check all the right boxes and maximize your chances of getting into your dream school. 

 College Board (requires account) - Here are answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions about applying to college.

Coursera Blog- Applying to college can seem overwhelming at first. Fortunately, the process is generally standard across most colleges and universities in the US. Breaking the process down can give you a clearer mental picture of what you need to do, and when. Here’s a guide to common requirements, and a step-by-step breakdown of what you’ll need to do to apply to college.

USA News: A Complete Guide to the College Application Process-Find answers to common questions prospective college students have about deadlines, essays and more.

Choosing a major

College Board Blog (requires account) - Choosing a college major can be hard. Some students have known what they wanted to be since they were three years old; others aren’t sure, even with college right around the corner. Whether you’re already in college or you’ve just started applying, here are some tips to finding the major that’s right for you.   

The Princeton Review-We know that choosing a college major can be overwhelming. But have no fear! Your choice of major will not lock you into a specific career for the rest of your life. That said, you WILL spend a lot of time on whatever subject you choose. Here’s what you need to know about college majors before you commit.

USA News- Choosing a major is one of the most important decisions a college student can make. Ideally, a college major can open doors into the workforce and help pave the way to a high-paying job and fulfilling career. As major life decisions go, choosing what to study in college isn't to be taken lightly. Prospective students should be aware of how majors will position them for their desired industry and how earnings may vary by field over the course of a career. Read on for expert advice on how to decide on a college major.

Paying for college

Asia Pacific Fund- To apply for a scholarship administered by the Asian Pacific Fund, please review the complete eligibility criteria for each scholarship program, and download the application for the program(s) for which you are eligible.

College Scholarships for Asian American Youth-Beyond state and federal student assistance, private organizations and corporate entities engage in educational philanthropy that benefits college students – including Asian Americans. Not only do programs exist specifically for students of Asian heritage, but these types of aid benefit Asian students as well.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau-Have a financial aid offer? We'll help you plan to finish your program with debt you can afford.

Financial InTuition Podcast- Learn tips and strategies on how to make more informed financial decisions around managing money, saving and paying for higher education, and repaying student loan debt.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)-Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form allows you to be considered for federal student aid. In addition, states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants, scholarships, and loans.

Gates Millennium Program-The goal of the GMS program is to promote academic excellence and to provide an opportunity for outstanding minority students with significant financial need to reach their highest potential by: Reducing financial barriers for African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American and Hispanic American students with high academic and leadership promise who have significant financial need.

Minority Scholarships-minority scholarships are aimed at supporting students from underrepresented racial backgrounds including African American, Hispanic, Asian American, and Native American students. Some of these scholarships will also support first-generation college students and students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Job Resources for Teens

Job Websites

HireLAYouth-Hire LA's Youth is offering virtual and in-person jobs for young people, between the ages of 14 and 24, who live in the City of Los Angeles and meet the eligibility criteria. All COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at in-person job sites.

Youth@Work-Youth@Work provides work experience with a comprehensive and strategic set of employment, training and support services provided through a network of AJCCs. Los Angeles County residents age 14 to 24, have the right to work in the United States. 

Indeed for Teens

Snagajob

For resume and interviewing resources, visit the Library's Career Center here Version OptionsTeen ResourcesCollege Prep Resource for TeensHelpful Online ArticlesHeadlineJob Resources for TeensDating and Maintaining Healthy RelationshipsHomework Help Resources for TeensLife Skills Resources for TeensMental Health Resources for TeensPhysical Health Resource for Teens!

Dating and Maintaining Healthy Relationships

Tips for Teens

Am I in a Healthy Relationship? Advice from Nemours.org. 

Characteristics of & Unhealthy Relationships from Youth.gov.

Healthy Relationships 101 from Teens For Courage. 

Relationships from TeensTalk.org. 

Teen Domestic Violence Resources

Hotlines

Domestic Violence Hotline is 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse.  Call 800-799-7233 for assistance. 

Local Resources

Center for the Pacific Asian Family is committed to ending domestic and sexual violence in Asian Pacific Islander (API) communities by breaking through language, cultural, and institutional barriers. Join us in our mission to end violence. Call 1-800-339-3940 if you need assistance

East Los Angeles Women’s Center ensures that all women, girls and their families live in a place of safety, health, and personal well-being, free from violence and abuse, with equal access to necessary health services and social support, with an emphasis on Latino communities. Call 800-585-6231 for assistance.  

LGBTQ Center of Long Beach is committed to building a healthy and violence-free community. One of the many ways the Center does this is through our Domestic Violence Services Program.Call 562-434-4455 for assistance. 

Peace Over Violence is a nonprofit 501c3, multicultural, community based and volunteer centered organization dedicated to building healthy relationships, families and communities free from sexual, domestic and interpersonal violence. T Call 626-793-3385 for assistance.

Teen Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Love is Respect is the national resource to disrupt and prevent unhealthy relationships and intimate partner violence by empowering young people through inclusive and equitable education, support, and resources.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month from Youth.gov. 

Homework Help Resources for Teens

Chinatown Service Center provides academic mentoring and college prep. 

Online Resources

HomeworkCA: Tutor.com provides access to no-cost, personalized tutoring and drop-off review services for writing and math. All tutors are rigorously vetted subject-matter experts. Tutors are available 24/7 so that all K-12 learners can get help anytime, anywhere, from any internet-connected device. Connect with a live expert tutor and valuable homework resources!

Getting Homework Help - Tips and suggestions on who to turn to and when.

KHAN Academy - A nonprofit with the mission to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.

Life Skills Resources for Teens

Cooking & Nutrition

The US Dept of Agriculture site provides teens with guidance to make smart choices about the food they eat. 

Take Charge of Your Health: A Guide for Teenagers is a resource sponsored by the National Institute of Health aimed at teaching teens about healthy foods and habits. 

Financial Literacy Resources

Better Money Habits helps you improve your financial health and move closer to your goals through hundreds of educational articles, videos and tips in English and Spanish.

FDIC-Money Smart provides a financial education program that can help people of all ages enhance their financial skills and create positive banking relationships. 

The MyMoney.Gov site teaches the five building blocks for managing and growing your money -- The MyMoney Five. Keep these five principles in mind as you make day-to-day decisions and plan your financial goals.

First Aid and Safety

Safety & First (for Teens) provides tips to help teens deal with emergencies and how to protect themselves.

Personal Appearance & Hygiene

Hygiene Basics for Teens helps you learn how to deal with greasy hair, perspiration, and body hair.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Skin for teens provides tips on how to care for and treat common skin problems.  

Hair Care Tips shows you how to take proper care of your locks. With more than 100,000 hair follicles on your head, learning some hair care tips makes sense to keep your hair healthy and shining.

Time Management Resources for Teens

8 Ways to Take Control of Your Time-Online article from Collegeboard.org

Life Balance Lesson provides helps you create a lifestyle that is satisfying, maintainable, realistic, and supportive of all of one's values is balanced. Use the following steps to help teens explore what balance looks like for them and how they can achieve it.

Time Management Skills from 29 Straight A Students is a helpful online article from Forbes Magazine. 

Mental Health Resources for Teens

Hotlines

• AlaTeen - 888-684-6444- A place just for teens affected by someone else’s alcoholism.
• Alcoholics Anonymous - 323-759-9602
• AIDS Hotline - 800-590-2437
• Crisis Text Line:Text “START” to 741741 in USA
• California Suicide Hotlines
• Narcotics Anonymous - 818-997-3822 
• National Eating Disorder:  Call 1-800-931-2237
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• For LGBTQIA+ Youth: TrevorLifeline at 866-488-7386, TrevorText -Text START to 678-678

Local Resources

Asian Youth Center AYC) is a community-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization (EIN #33-0383691) whose mission is to empower low-income, immigrant, and at-risk youth, of all communities, to overcome barriers to success through the provision of culturally and linguistically competent education, employment, and social services. We help youth succeed in school, at work, and in life!

Center for the Pacific Asian Family builds healthy and safe communities by addressing the root causes and consequences of family violence and violence against women. We are committed to meeting the cultural and language needs of Asian and Pacific Islander women and their families.

Chinatown Service provides counseling and domestic violence counseling services. 

Addressing Teen Mental Health Challenges: A Toolkit for Parents and Guardians of Teens recognizes that parenting has its share of challenges, and we are so glad that you found your way to this information. You may be a parent, grandparent, foster parent, neighbor, or mentor. No matter your title, you are an important role model in your teen’s life, and supporting their mental health is vital to their well-being. We are pleased to share information and resources with you that support your teen as they learn, grow, and overcome challenges.

If you are a parent or guardian accessing this toolkit because your teen is currently, or close to, experiencing a crisis involving physical or verbal outbursts, or even thoughts of hurting themselves, please skip to the section titled What to Do in a Crisis.

Teen Line - 310-855-HOPE provides peer-based education and support before problems become a crisis, using a national hotline, community outreach and online support.

Mindfulness Apps

Headspace for Teens is now free for all teens in the US. If you’re between the ages of 13–18 years old in the US, click below to learn more and how to sign up for Headspace for free through our partners:
Sign yourself up through Peer Health Exchange
Sign up your school through Bring Change 2 Mind

MindShift is a mental health app that is specifically designed for teens and young adults that struggle with anxious thoughts. It helps hone in on the anxiety the user is feeling and gives them tools to manage that anxiety, such as healthy thinking, finding their “chill zone,” and giving positive action items. App is free to download and premium content will require a subscription. 

Rootd is like having a panic button in your pocket—literally. This app’s main feature is a big, red panic button that users hit when they feel a panic attack flood in. Depending on different levels of panic, Rootd takes users through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help retrain the mind into positive behavioral strategies for coping. While it can take a few tries to feel empowered, Rootd talks users through a guided approach to regaining control when anxiety strikes. App is free to download and premium content will require a subscription. 

Smiling Mind is a mindfulness and meditation app, but it also acts as a self-care toolkit. When you first sign in, Smiling Mind asks for users to register with an age preference. Each age group is given a set of guided meditations designed to bring users from a beginning level to a “mindful master” level over time.

Teen Mental Health Online Resources

Adolescent Mental Health Resources for Adolescents and Young Adults are online resources aimed specifically at adolescents and young adults. 

Mental Health Literacy aims to take the best available scientific evidence in mental health and make it easy to understand and accessible for everyone.

Teen Mental Health Resource from MedlinePlus

The Trevor Project provides resources for LGBTQ Youth.

Teen Wellness Resources

Center for Youth Wellness contains resources for educational purposes only and are not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace consultation with your physician or mental health professional.

Change to Chill offers free online mental health resources for teens designed to help them learn how to relax and integrate healthy habits into their lifestyles. Whether you’re a teen yourself, a mentor or a parent, explore our mindfulness guides and stress relief activities for teens to help yourself and others soothe their minds and Change to Chill.

The Future me site lets you write a letter to yourself and sends you the letter a year late!

Physical Health Resource for Teens

Tips for Teens

Sexual Health (for Teens) provides facts about sexual health with articles on puberty, periods, birth control, infections, and much more.

Take Charge of Your Physical Health: A Guide for Teenagers provides small, achievable steps to help teenagers make healthier food choices, be more active, and get enough sleep.

Teen Health from Medline Plus will help teens create healthy habits, including eating a healthy diet and being physically active, can help you feel good, look good, and do your best in school, work, or sports. They might also prevent diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, stroke, and some cancers when you are older.

TeenSource.org provides an online hub for teen-friendly sexual and reproductive health information and resources.