our Programs

Community Youth Athletic Center, our “House of Respect” is located in the heart of National City adjacent to the West Side Old Town National City area.  The CYAC youth programs have attracted many of National City’s youth over the 17 years of operation.  Our family approach of mentoring has been “making a difference.... one round at a time”.  It has become a part of growing up in National City.  Our Diversion Programs aim to instill discipline, self esteem, improved citizenship, social skills and health consciousness in the minds and hearts of our city’s youth.  More than anything else, CYAC strives to channel their energy and need for social recognition in a positive and healthy direction. 

Delinquency Prevention services are carried through recreational, educational and community service programs. Current CYAC diversion programs include:

Champs 4 Life

Champs 4 Life Boxing &Fitness program provides activities beyond the traditional (i.e. Football, Soccer and Baseball) in order to attract youth from diverse income levels. Furthermore, our Boxing & Fitness program is offered at no cost throughout a primarily urban area where a large number of residents match the demographic characteristics of individuals at greater risk of juvenile delinquency. Providing Activities that involve expending energy constantly over a set period of time, 100% of youth participants obtained optimal aerobic and conditioning benefits. Behavioral changes were obtained by participation in program (i.e. improved self confidence, discipline, reduction in juvenile delinquency and respect for themselves and others). Youth boxers in Local, Regional and National Boxing Tournaments has made our youth center one of the most successful armature boxing programs in San Diego

Goin' Places

Goin’ Places Educational Enhancement Program is an educational enrichment program for youth living in National City. The Educational Enhancement Program has provided 88 at-risk elementary, middle and high school youth with a safe positive and fun place to go where they can get help with their homework, read books, and develop math and computer skills. The program goals are to: (1) improve a student’s academic skills (2) increase self-esteem (3) positively impact attitudes about school and learning. Our multimedia component has improved the potential of National City youth by unleashing their creativity through the instruction of the basics of filming and editing. Youth participants completed three video projects, CYAC Promo Video, NIKE My Better Video Contest Entry and 2008 Battle of the Badges Promo Video.

Helpin' Hands

This program provides a strong foundation for youth at a critical age that can help them develop and enhance their workforce skills and expand their economic opportunities for employment. Youth assisted with special events set up, community clean up, administrative duties and CYAC facility assistance.

Teens Taking Actions Against Graffiti (TTAAG)

TTAAG Graffiti Removal Program, the first such program in San Diego County, was founded in 2007. CYAC’s Graffiti Removal Program is one of the most productive graffiti eradication programs in San Diego. The program utilizes court-referred or probation department referred workers to remove graffiti each month. TTAAG Graffiti Removal Program teaches students community pride, self-respect, respect for property, and the value of volunteerism.