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White Plains Youth Bureau
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Step Up! for Boys​

Step Up is a program for Black and Latino young men ages 13–21 who reside in White Plains to support participants in identifying personal, academic, and career goals and the steps needed to achieve them.

The program focuses on character development, goal setting, and building self-confidence and self-esteem, with an emphasis on promoting positive social, behavioral, academic, and occupational outcomes.

Participants meet weekly in group sessions that explore topics related to personal growth, decision-making, and future planning. The program also includes several free educational and recreational trips throughout the school year that expose participants to new experiences and broaden their perspectives.

Group meets on Wednesday/Thursdays from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

September – June during the school year.

This is a FREE program for eligible participants.

Program is open to all High School Boys. 

Regular attendance and participation in groups, trips, and social activities.

No.

Applications are available at the Youth Bureau and on this page.

Please scan the QR Code for the Step Up Program Application.

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  • AGES SERVED
  • 13 yrs - 21 yrs
  • GENDER SERVED
  • Male
  • PROGRAM SUPERVISOR
  • Catherine Backes Valenzuela
Register (English)
Register (Spanish)
Scan QR Code for the Application

Social Justice for Youth Program: Youth Court & Peer Advocacy

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A real court run by trained high school youth who process real low level crime cases – peer court. The goal of Youth Court is to promote positive peer leadership and youth development amongst teens 13-18 years old

The Youth Court members recommend community service projects for juvenile delinquency cases referred to the program by the Westchester County Probation Department. Members earn community service hours, looks great on any college application, network with attorneys, judges and community leaders, gain valuable advocacy skills, improve public speaking and attend bonding field trips.

Training takes place during the Summer and Fall.

To join Youth Court, please see our application.

Varies Training for youth court officers in the summer – July/August.

This program is FREE.

Must be a White Plains resident. Youth Court leaders may be 9th – 12th graders.

Peer Advocacy – Girls only, ages 20-30 years old.

Peer Advocates only: $1,500 stipend per client served.

Youth Court leaders: Volunteers only; will receive community service credit.

WP Youth Court Training Application- Summer.2024

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  • AGES SERVED
  • Middle School and High School students
  • GENDER SERVED
  • Both male and female
Register

Clubmen Higher Aims​

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An after school program designed to help Middle through High School African-American and Latino male students achieve academic excellence and develop key life skills required to succeed. This is accomplished by providing academic support, mentoring and exposure to cultural, social, and leadership experiences.

Middle School: Monday through Friday from 2:45 – 5:45 PM at Highlands

High School: Monday through Thursday from 2:45 – 5:45 PM at White Plains High School

No fees are required for regular daily activities. Nominal fees may apply for some of the field trips.

Must be African-American or Latino Middle or High School male student. Must strive for excellence and maintain high academic standards and regular attendance. Must maintain a minimum grade point average of “C.” Strive to achieve honor roll status. Participate in group activities. Wear a shirt and tie on designated day(s). Learn to play the game of chess. Commit to program through 12th grade.

No.

At this time applications for this program are through referral only. Space is limited.

  • AGES SERVED
  • Middle School and High School students
  • GENDER SERVED
  • Male

Healthy & Fit for Life Program

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The Healthy & Fit for Life program is a free program offering Boxing, Martial Arts (Karate), Nutrition and comprehensive approach to total health. 


  • Boxing – for ages 12 – 21
  • Karate – for elementary grades
  • Personal training – for ages 10 – 21

Younger children need to be assessed by coach and Program Director.

Free counseling is available for ages 6-21 and families.

Open Gym available Monday – Friday.

Hours during the School year: Monday – Friday, 3 – 9 pm, Saturdays 1 pm – 9 pm

This program is FREE. Students are responsible for supplying personal equipment such as shin guards, mouth guards etc – and uniforms – list will be provided.

None.

No. Participation is voluntary.

Applications accepted on Monday and Wednesday.   


Applications are available at the Youth Bureau or downloaded from this page.

Complete registration form signed by parent (parent signature required for youth under 18 years only). Students 18 and older must present a valid ID. 


  • AGES SERVED
  • 6 - 21 years old
  • GENDER SERVED
  • Both male and female
  • COACHES
  • Alternatives Personal Training & Boxing:
  • Coach Ricardo Jimenez
  • Karate:
  • Sensei Evelyn Schwartz
Register (English)
Register (Spanish)

Growing White Plains​

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A community agriculture project through which volunteers from White Plains and surrounding communities grow vegetables and herbs to be donated to the Ecumenical Emergency Food Pantry and other organizations helping to meet the food needs of residents of the City in need. Participants also learn about organic gardening and share healthy outdoor activity with friends and family.

Program operates during the garden growing season, from February through November at two community garden sites, on the grounds of New York Presbyterian Hospital near the Bryant Ave. gate, and at the Bethel Community Garden, corner of Prospect St. and Sterling Ave. There is also a greenhouse located behind the Ebersole Ice Rink.

To participate, register as a member of Growing White Plains by filling out a brief registration form and adding your name and e-mail address to the distribution list so we can let you know when garden activities take place. Volunteers are free to visit or work in the garden at any time it is convenient for them.

There is no charge for participation in Growing White Plains

A willing hand and heart. Registration for the program by filling out a brief registration form

No. This is a volunteer program. Participation is voluntary.

 At this time applications for this program are available only at the Youth Bureau.

Register by calling the White Plains Youth Bureau: (914) 422-1378 to obtain a registration form and add your name and e-mail address to the program e-mail list.

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  • AGES SERVED
  • Elementary, Middle School, High School, 18 yrs. - 21 yrs.
  • GENDER SERVED
  • Both male and female
Register (English)
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Mentor Program​

The City of White Plains Mentor Program connects young people with caring, committed adult mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and positive support. Mentors build meaningful relationships with youth by spending time together, sharing experiences, exploring interests, and engaging in activities throughout the community.

Mentors serve as positive role models and supportive adults who listen, encourage, and help young people recognize their strengths, build confidence, set goals, and make positive choices. Through consistent connection and encouragement, the program creates opportunities for youth to develop skills, explore new experiences, and build relationships that can make a lasting difference.

The City of White Plains Mentor Program is committed to creating positive connections that support young people and strengthen our community.



This is a community based Mentor Program. Mentors and mentees decide when and where they want to meet.

There is no fee for this program. Mentors are all volunteers.

Mentors have to complete the application process which includes an interview and background screening.

Mentees also have an application to complete as well as an interview.

Mentors have to be able to commit to meet with their mentee for about an hour and a half a week. Mentees have to be available and willing to meet with their mentor as well as participate in planning activities.

This a volunteer program. Participation is voluntary.

Applications are not available online. To apply, contact Sheila Foley at 914-422-1378.

Through a phone interview, it will be determined if the program is appropriate for those interested. If it is, an application will be emailed or mailed out to the applicants (mentor and mentee).

  • AGES SERVED
  • High School
  • GENDER SERVED
  • Both male and female

Capoeira

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Come learn this Brazilian art form that combines martial arts, gymnastics, and dance all to music and drumming! 

Tuesday 4pm to 6:00pm at the Youth Bureau Fitness Room

Saturday 2pm to 4:00pm at the Youth Bureau Fitness Room

The program is free of charge to families in White Plains.

Students in 1st grade through 12th grade are all welcomed.

Applications are available at the Youth Bureau or downloaded by clicking the ‘REGISTRATION FORM’ button on this page.

You can also email Gina Covington at gcovington@whiteplainsny.gov for more information or to receive applications via email in English or Spanish. 

  • AGES SERVED
  • Elementary, Middle school, and High school students
  • GENDER SERVED
  • Both male and female
Register (English)
Register (Spanish)

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