09/25/2026
✨INTRODUCING✨: the Monarch Program, a new framework designed with, by, and for TEENS at The Children’s Community ages 14+!
The Monarch Program offers a container for TCC teens and facilitators to inspire, guide, and document young people’s rich and varied learning experiences, and to prepare them to fly forward on the many routes they may choose after TCC.
✨PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS✨:
🍃 Experiential Opportunities - examples include internships, community partnerships, community college dual enrollment, and more
🍃 Community Contribution - this experience may be a service project, a volunteer opportunity, the creation of something for our community or the broader area - the possibilities for giving back are unlimited!
🍃 Transcript & Portfolio Creation - facilitators will collect and compile data to be translated into a portfolio and transcripts that meet the requirements of various environments and institutions
🍃 Personal Reflection/Intention - this is an opportunity for young people to reflect in writing on their past experiences and also look to the future.
🍃 TCC Traveler’s Trip - an excursion planned and executed entirely by teens. This could be a camping trip, a getaway in another state, even an international adventure!
✨PLANS FOR SUPPORT✨:
🍃 Weekly 1:1 Mentor Check-Ins
🍃 Weekly Peer Cohort Sessions - these meetings will include logistical processing and support, plus conversations around translating TCC’s community values into practice beyond our space
🍃 Parent & Caregiver Check-Ins
✨WHY “MONARCH”?✨
In the moment we were seeking the just-right term, and tossing around words like “transformation” and “metamorphosis” one afternoon on the patio, a monarch floated into view, and we had our name.
There was some discussion around turning “M.O.N.A.R.C.H.” into an acronym, but we haven’t landed on anything yet. Any ideas?
We’re excited to experience together how this program takes shape in the years ahead. We welcome curious current (and future!) teens to reach out and join us here in its co-creation!
