Achievement Centers, Delray Beach launch teen initiative

Teens discuss community challenges. [Photo by Achievement Centers for Children & Families]

The Achievement Centers for Children & Families and the City of Delray Beach are partnering to launch Teen Hacktivate, a civic engagement initiative empowering youths to tackle real-world community challenges.

The inaugural Teen Hacktivate event will take place Friday, April 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Northern Trust at 770 E. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. Participants from ACCF’s teen program will address local issues through data-driven research, collaboration and innovative problem-solving.

“Teen Hacktivate is about amplifying youth voices and equipping them with tools to become active changemakers in their community,” ACCF CEO Stephanie Seibel says. “We are proud to collaborate with the city of Delray Beach to give our students this platform to be heard and to help shape solutions for a better future.”

Teen Hacktivate was inspired by the students’ participation in Youth in Government Day, when they met elected officials and explored the inner workings of city departments. Motivated by what they saw and learned, many students urged city leaders to take more action on community disparities, sparking the idea for a proactive teen role in solving city problems.

During Teen Hacktivate, students will be divided into teams and tasked with addressing issues such as:

• Access to quality education.

• Mental health and health care services.

• Substance abuse prevention.

• Climate change and sustainability.

Each team will be guided by a facilitator from the city, and students will use local and national data to inform their decisions and create innovative proposals. Each team will present its solutions and proposed policies in a formal presentation.

The event is designed to foster leadership, critical thinking and community engagement among teens while encouraging collaboration between youth and civic leaders.

Sponsorship opportunities for Teen Hacktivate are available. Contact Jalesa Worthen at jworthen@delraychild.org for more information.

The Achievement Centers for Children & Families, serving southern Palm Beach County since 1969, works with nearly 700 children and families across Delray Beach through its four core programs: early learning, after school, teen programs and summer camp. Additional services, including family support and economic stabilization, ensure that families receive the support needed to thrive amid crisis.

To learn more, visit www.achievementcentersFL.org, or call 561-266-0003.