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 Opportunities

• Asian Youth Center San Gabriel
• LA Works
• Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library Junior Friends
• Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley

Local Leadership Opportunities

• United Way LA Young Civic Leaders Program 

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 by visiting registertovote.ca.gov. 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- CSC 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

Online Resources

Coursera- Enroll in free courses to learn about college and college life. To register for Coursera, visit the link above and you will be redirected to the California State Library's Career Pathways website. 

JobNowVetNow-Explore valuable learning tools to prepare for college. 

Learning Express-Explore Learning Express' college prep materials and practice tests.

Helpful Online Articles

Applying for college

TheBestSchools- 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-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-Find answers to common questions prospective college students have about deadlines, essays and more.

Choosing a major

College Board Blog-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 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.

Teens4Hire-

Teens4Hire® is an online member community of teens (19-14) seeking jobs; full-time, part-time, summer, seasonal, intern or volunteer, work experience; and/or other ways to earn money and the organizations that want to reach them. 

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!

Homework Help Resources for Teens

Chinatown Service Center provides academic mentoring and college prep. 

Online Resources

Brainfuse HelpNow offers live tutor access for homework help, skills building and test preparation where after taking a quiz, users can connect directly to a live tutor from the test center without having to return to the main page. 

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

Financial Literacy Resources

Better Money Habits Improve your financial health and move closer toward your goals through hundreds of educational articles, videos and tips in English and Spanish.

FDIC-Money Smart  The FDIC's Money Smart financial education program can help people of all ages enhance their financial skills and create positive banking relationships. 

Investor.Gov Learning to save and spend money responsibly can be more fun than it sounds. Check out our money tips for students, and other websites, competitions, and games where you can put your money smarts to use.

MyMoney.Gov Making the most of your money starts with 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.

Time Management Resources for Teens

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

Life Balance Lesson Plan-A balanced lifestyle sets the stage for optimal health and happiness, now and for the long term. Creating a lifestyle that is satisfying, maintainable, realistic, and supportive of all of one's personal values is balance. Use the steps that follow to help teens explore what balance looks like for them and how they can achieve it.

Time Management Skills from 29 Straight A Students-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-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- Our mission is to build 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 -The Department of Public Health 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 Teen Line's mission is to provide 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-The Mental Health Resources for Adolescents and Young Adults are online resources aimed specifically at adolescents and young adults. 

Mental Health Literacy-Mental health is part of overall health. Just like it’s important to be informed about your health, it’s equally important to be informed about your mental health. We aim 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-Resources for LGBTQ Youth

The Youth Mental Health Project- The information here is provided as a courtesy and is not intended as a substitute for professional mental health treatment or emergency/crisis services. 

Teen Wellness Resources

Center for Youth Wellness -The materials contained on this Resource page are made available for educational purposes only and are not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace consultation with your physician or mental health professional.

ChangetoChill-Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or stressed? 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.

Futureme- Write a letter to yourself and receive the letter a year later!