Santa Barbara Police Activities League (SBPAL)

Santa Barbara Police Activities League (SBPAL) offers Twelve35 Teen Center, Police Recruit Experience, Campership Alliance, Youth Leadership Council, Tuesday Movies, Baking Tuesdays, Rise & Perform, Boxing, Mindful Creations, and Discover: Law Enforcement. The program includes activities such as movies, baking, music lessons, boxing, art sessions, and interactive law enforcement classes, along with a week-long police recruit program.

Programs

• Twelve35 Teen Center — 11-18; currently enrolled in a K-12 school
• Police Recruit Experience — 13-17 · Week-long program; participants step into the shoes of a police recruit.
• Campership Alliance — Provides scholarship opportunities for children and young adults from low-income families in Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Carpinteria.
• Youth Leadership Council — high school students · Opportunity for students to work within a group structure to explore, discuss, brainstorm, and implement ideas that positively impact their community.
• Tuesday Movies — Tuesdays · Join PAL staff for 'Bargain Tuesday' deal.
• Baking Tuesdays — Tuesdays · Bake delicious treats with staff at the Twelve35 Teen Center.
• Rise & Perform — Santa Barbara teens · Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:00 pm-6:00 pm; 6 weeks · Two-hour lessons twice a week at the Turner Foundation; youth learn music, form bands, and perform. Completely free.
• Boxing — Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:00 pm-5:00 pm · 1-hour lessons twice a week with Paragon Boxing at Twelve35 Teen Center.
• Mindful Creations — Wednesdays, 4:00 pm-5:30 pm · Weekly art sessions at the Twelve35 Teen Center.
• Discover: Law Enforcement — 14-17 · Wednesdays, 4:30 pm-6:30 pm; 8 weeks · Interactive classes and hands-on training led by the Santa Barbara Police Department.

At a glance

• Ages: 11–18 years old
• General schedule: SBPAL offers youth programs and events all year long. Summer programs are offered for local youth ages 11-18. Discover: Law Enforcement is offered as an 8-week program, and Police Recruit Experience is a one-week immersive program. Rise & Perform runs for six weeks.

About the provider

SBPAL has served the Santa Barbara community since 1999. Its mission is to build the bridge between cops, kids, and the community through mentorship, leadership, and academic enrichment programs. The organization supports youth with opportunities for academic achievement, community service, leadership skills, and personal development, and it is supported by the Santa Barbara Police Department with officer time and mentor support.

SBPAL maintains an open-door policy and welcomes all local youth. No membership fee and no daily fees apply for registered Twelve35 Teen Center members. Discover program applicants must be within ages 14-17, commit to attending every day, approach the experience with an open mind, and have a parent/guardian submit the application and associated fees. Scholarships may be available. An interview is part of the application process.

Last updated October 30, 2026.