Teen Empowerment

Teens rafting

Teen Empowerment Program

Eugene Rec Teen Empowerment Program works with community partners to provide out of school time recreation and enrichment activities for youth. Programs empower teens by building life and job skills, offering access to caring youth and adult mentors, participating in service opportunities, improving leadership abilities, and increasing access to other vital community resources. Programs are designed to be low-barrier and inclusive so that every young person is provided the opportunity to grow up safely and access their best possible future. All programs are free and provide food.


Fall offerings are listed below.

  1. Media, Arts & Technology
  2. Pathways to Employment
  3. Teens in Power
  4. Teens & Hult Center Connections

Media, Arts & Technology

The goals of the Media, Arts and Technology programs are to teach youth to work successfully with advanced, industry-standard audio-visual equipment, build a mobile media unit out of a cargo trailer, co-host community events and learn to create quality social media content. Youth will gain industry-related job experience applicable to music venue work, audio-visual creation, social media content creation, audio-visual post-production processing and editing and other related skills in creative industries. All activities are adaptable to participants’ unique learning styles.


Become a Social Media Professional

Ages 15-18

Interested in life as a social media influencer or social media manager? This is a free workshop for teens to learn more about what it takes to balance life as a content creator and how to be successful in related careers. We’ll cover topics including privacy and boundary maintenance, brand management, content creation on various platforms, how to talk to sponsors and finance management. Expect a balance of learning and fun. Snacks will be provided.

Washington Park Center

Nov 18   Saturday   12-5 p.m.   Free

Register online


Learn Adobe Suite Basics

Ages 14-18

Free teen workshop to learn the basics of the Adobe Creative Suite. Includes skill-building with Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Premier Rush. These skills will create a foundation for youth to create a large range of creative projects. All equipment and software is provided. Register for only one session.

Washington Park Center

Sep 23   Saturday   12-5 p.m.   Free

Oct 21   Saturday   12-5 p.m.   Free

Register online


Mural & Plant Workshop

Ages 10-18

Participants will learn how audio setups function for music venues by creating one of their own. In this hands-on workshop, expect to play the different roles of show production to effectively use mic systems, high-capacity speakers and sound mixers. The outcome will be a ready-to-play open mic or karaoke session.

Graham Field House

Oct 17   Tuesday   5-7 p.m.   Free

Oct 18   Wednesday   5-7 p.m.   Free

Register online


Help shape the program design and activities!

Work for Eugene Rec

Ages 16+

We are currently seeking enthusiastic, creative, and motivated individuals to co-create Teen Empowerment Programs. This is a great work opportunity and experience for those interested in youth advocacy and empowerment! Apply online. After you submit your application please let us know by sending us an email.

Contact Us

  1. Teen Empowerment Program Supervisor

    Alison Willis

    Ph: 541-682-5370

    Contact Us