The Youth Center

What The Youth Center does

The Youth Center (legal entity: Los Alamitos Youth Center, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1952 in Los Alamitos, California, that delivers after-school, summer camp, STEM, music, and leadership development programs for children in grades K-12. Its core products include Camp S.H.A.R.K. (ages 5-12 summer day camp at $32-$168/week), Teen Camp (ages 12-16, $425/week), After School Academy, Girls in STEM workshops, Music Academy (delivered on-site at all LAUSD elementary schools since 1998), MBA Sharks Academy (free entrepreneurship pitch program), Leadership Council of Students, and supplemental offerings like Tutoring, College Essay Coaching, and Meeting Mindfulness. The organization operates from a newly opened 2,200 sq ft permanent facility on Los Alamitos Blvd (September 2023) plus a Rossmoor Park site for Camp SHARK.

The Youth Center's revenue model is diversified across tuition/program fees (pay-as-you-go and weekly subscription pricing), individual donations (one-time and recurring, including a Sponsor a Dream major gift program and car donations), tiered corporate sponsorships ($5,000 Friends of YC up to $50,000 Presenting Sponsor), foundation grants, planned giving/legacy bequests, and ancillary fundraising (annual Christmas Tree Lot at Ganahl Lumber parking lot with trees from $35). Distribution is direct-to-consumer via website enrollment and on-site program delivery, with school district and city partnerships functioning as primary referral channels. The underlying technology stack is minimal: no proprietary platform — only third-party SaaS tools (Wufoo, Canva, Constant Contact, BetterUnite). In 2025 the organization reports serving 3,964 children, supported by ~47 staff plus volunteers and a board of directors led by Executive Director/CEO Lina Lumme (since 2010). Geographic footprint is narrow: Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, and Seal Beach in Orange County, CA.

Name

The Youth Center

Legal name

Los Alamitos Youth Center, Inc.

Website

https://theyouthcenter.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1952

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Youth Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1952 in Los Alamitos, California, providing after-school programs, summer camps, STEM, music, and leadership development for K-12 children in the Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, and Seal Beach communities, serving roughly 3,964 children annually.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth education and community services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Center Education Programs (EDAAAFAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Multi-Activity Enrichment Camps (Academic + Arts + Sports) (EDAMALAA)

Keywords

• After-school programs
• Summer day camps
• Youth leadership development
• STEM education workshops
• Music education services

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Alamitos

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Program Fees: Tuition-based revenue from camps (Camp SHARK, Teen Camp), after-school programs, and workshops. Pricing varies by program with daily, weekly, and session-based options.
2. Donations: One-time and recurring gifts from individual donors through the website donation portal. Includes 'Sponsor a Dream' major gift program and car donations.
3. Planned Giving/Bequests: Legacy Club through bequests via wills, trusts, retirement account beneficiaries, or life insurance. Supports long-term endowment funds.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Tiered corporate sponsorship packages ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, offering recognition at signature events (Casino Night, Christmas Tree Lot, Gala, Golf Tournament) and logo placement.
5. Christmas Tree Lot Sales: Annual holiday tree sales at Ganahl Lumber parking lot, with trees starting at $35. Also includes wreaths, garland, stands, and supplies. Supports Trees for Troops program for military families.
6. Foundation Grants: Grant funding from foundations such as the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation ($25,000 for Girls in STEM program expansion).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Youth Center delivers after-school, summer camp, and youth enrichment programs for children in grades K-12 across Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, and Seal Beach, including Camp SHARK, Teen Camp, the After School Academy, Tutoring, Girls in STEM, Music Academy, Anatomy Adventure, MBA Sharks Academy, Meeting Mindfulness, and a student-led Leadership Council. Programs are sold via tuition/registration fees and sustained by individual donations, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, planned giving, and an annual Christmas Tree Lot fundraiser.

Product overview

The Youth Center is a nonprofit youth development organization offering a diverse portfolio of programs for children and teens from kindergarten through high school. The core offerings include day camps (Camp S.H.A.R.K., Teen Camp, Seasonal Camps), after-school programs (After School Academy, Tutoring, Kids Night Out), STEM initiatives (Girls in STEM, Anatomy Adventure), music education (Music Academy), and leadership development (Leadership Academy, Leadership Council of Students). The organization also provides entrepreneurship education (MBA Sharks Academy), wellness programs (Meeting Mindfulness), community service opportunities (Seed of Service, Volunteer Program), and family support services (Adopt a Family, Scholarships). Fundraising operations include the annual Christmas Tree Lot, donation programs, planned giving, and corporate sponsorships. The portfolio operates from a newly constructed 2,200 sq ft center opened in September 2023 and serves approximately 3,964 children annually with support from community partners including Los Alamitos Unified School District.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Camp S.H.A.R.K.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3,964 children served in 2025
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Los Alamitos Unified School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 201930-year partnership (celebrated 2018-2019) providing music education at all elementary schools in LAUSD. Schools help share program opportunities with students and support initiatives like Every 15 Minutes.
• Seal Beach Lions Club and Seal Beach Leos ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006Since 2006, provided valuable volunteer support for many Youth Center programs and events. Their involvement in Leadership Academy, community events, and seasonal programs has helped create meaningful experiences for youth.
• Rotary Club of Los Alamitos, Cypress, and Seal BeachcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1997Since 1997, proudly supported The Youth Center through scholarships, youth programs, and community service. In 2023, Rotary became a partner of A Night Among the Stars, helping celebrate young leaders.
• Rossmoor Community Service DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1990Since 1990, began supporting The Youth Center's Summer Day Camp, bringing engaging and enriching activities to local youth. Today the program serves over 450 children and remains a favorite in the community.
• City of Los AlamitoscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1960Since incorporation in 1960, partnered with city leadership to support local families and strengthen the community. Together helped develop the Community Center complex and built a strong, lasting relationship rooted in service and collaboration.
• Rossmoor Homeowners AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 1957, supported local organizations and strengthened community connections. The Youth Center has been part of that impact with programs and events serving Rossmoor families.
• Weaver Elementary AmbassadorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration between the Leadership Council and Weaver Elementary's leadership program for the Seeds of Service youth-led service initiative.
• Bolsa Chica Land TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHands-on environmental and habitat-focused volunteer opportunities for young students through the Seeds of Service program.
• Golden State Water CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDonated funds and helped with new center construction in September 2023.
• Seal Beach Lion's ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsored the Library and came to the rescue to clean up the center during construction in May 2023.
• Cal Custom ConstructioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOpened up the room to create an open space for kids in early 2022; provided ongoing construction support.
• Ganahl LumbercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided windows and doors for new center; hosts annual Christmas Tree Lot in their parking lot.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Camp Fire: National youth development nonprofit operating camps and after-school programs focused on social-emotional learning, leadership, and outdoor programming. Directly comparable to The Youth Center's Camp SHARK, Teen Camp, and Leadership Council offerings for K-12 youth.
• Girls Inc. National nonprofit inspiring girls through after-school and summer programming in STEM, leadership, and life skills. Directly comparable to The Youth Center's Girls in STEM, Leadership Academy, and MBA Sharks Academy programs targeting middle and high school girls.
• Police Activities League (PAL): National nonprofit providing youth enrichment, athletic, and educational programs through community centers. Comparable as a community-based youth development organization offering after-school and summer programming to local K-12 populations.
• After-School All-Stars: National nonprofit providing comprehensive after-school programs for K-12 youth with academic support, enrichment, and sports. Directly comparable in after-school programming focus, target demographic, and community-based delivery model.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: Youth mentoring nonprofit serving K-12 children through one-on-one and group mentoring programs. Comparable as a community-embedded nonprofit delivering youth development outcomes through volunteer-supported, relationship-based programming.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: National federation of youth development organizations offering after-school programs, camps, sports, STEM, and leadership for K-12 youth. Directly comparable to The Youth Center in mission, target population (school-age children), program mix (homework help, enrichment, summer camps), and community-based nonprofit operating model.
• 4-H Youth Development (National Institute of Food and Agriculture): USDA-affiliated youth development organization offering STEM, leadership, civic engagement, and camp-style programming for school-age youth. Directly comparable in mission and program areas, particularly the STEM, leadership, and community service components.

Broad incumbents

• YMCA of the USA: Large national community-services organization offering youth programs, summer camps, after-school care, swim/sports, and family services. Comparable as a broad incumbent providing overlapping youth development, camp, and after-school programming in local communities.
• Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America): National youth organization delivering leadership, citizenship, and outdoor programming through local troops. Comparable as a broad incumbent in youth leadership development serving similar K-12 demographics with volunteer-driven delivery.

Regional players

• Boys & Girls Club of Greater Anaheim-Whittier: Regional Boys & Girls Club affiliate serving youth in neighboring Orange County communities with after-school, summer camp, and teen programming. Comparable as a regional peer operating the same franchise model in an adjacent Southern California geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/youthcenterleadershipcouncil
• Xx.com/YouthCenterInc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/theyouthcenter

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Youth Center