Berkeley Youth Alternatives Programs

Berkeley Youth Alternatives Programs includes an After-school Center with Academic Support, Arts and Recreation, and Reading and Literacy, plus daily nutritious snacks, daily exercise, and meditation. It also offers a Career Development Center, Reach Our Children (ROC) Counseling Center with individual, group, and family therapy, crisis intervention, substance abuse counseling, mental health assessments, and referrals to additional resources, and a Teen Center with free healthy dinner, open gym access, Teen Talks, tutors and mentors, the Creations Dance Team, transportation home upon request, and Monthly 3v3 Basketball Tournaments.

Programs

• After-school Center — 6-24 · Academic Support, Arts and Recreation, and Reading and Literacy; daily nutritious snacks, daily exercise, and meditation.
• Career Development Center — 14-24
• Reach Our Children (ROC) Counseling Center — 6-24 · Individual, group, and family therapy; crisis intervention; substance abuse counseling; mental health assessments; referrals to additional resources.
• Extended Care — Academic and emotional support; mentorship; family engagement; Monthly Parent Association Meetings (PAM).
• Healthy Living — Workshops and resources promoting healthy eating habits and access to nutritious food; food pantry, community garden, hygiene kits, clothing pantry, and baby items.
• Outreach — Engages with the Berkeley community to identify needs and connect youth and families with resources; referrals to other community organizations.
• Teen Center — Wednesdays, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM · Free healthy dinner, open gym access, Teen Talks, tutors/mentors, Creations Dance Team, transportation home upon request, Monthly 3v3 Basketball Tournaments.
• Wellness Center

At a glance

• Facility hours: Monday – Friday 10am – 6pm

About the provider

Founded in 1969, Berkeley Youth Alternatives has served underserved children in Berkeley, Oakland, and Alameda counties for over 50 years. Its mission is to serve underserved children, youth, and their families through a continuum of care model focused on education, health and wellbeing, and economic self-sufficiency. The program also supports the Berkeley community through outreach, referrals to other community organizations, and partnerships with community leaders and organizations.

Children and youth ages 6 to 24 years old are welcome to apply. BYA subsidizes the costs of services based on a family’s ability to pay.

What families say

“BYA saved my life.” — BYA CDC participant

“BYA helps me express my feelings through art when I am too shy to talk about them.” — BYA After-school participant

“BYA inspires me to be a better mom.” — BYA parent

Last updated September 19, 2026.