GONZALES — Sen. Anna Caballero visited Gonzales last week to present a $5 million check to city leaders and Gonzales Youth Council members for the construction of a teen center.
Caballero, who represents Senate District 12, was able to secure the funding through the state budget earlier this year. The Teen Innovation Center is part of the greater Gonzales Community Center Complex, which will also include the library and a large room with adjacent classroom spaces.
The entire complex, to be located on Fifth Street across from the Gonzales High School sports fields, is estimated to cost $30 million and is partly funded through Measure X and the city’s Community Development Block Grants. A $10 million capital campaign is being launched as well to raise funds for building and program costs.
Construction will begin next year and is slated to open in late 2024.
“I am extremely proud of the initiative shown by the Gonzales Youth Council,” said Caballero, who hosted a press conference Oct. 19 to celebrate the accomplishment. “It is because of their vision, hard work, and dedication, that the youth in the community will have a safe, centrally located space to call their own.”
Gonzales Youth Council was established in 2015 to provide a platform for young leaders in seventh to 12th grades to tackle issues and make improvements in their community, with members serving as advisers to the Gonzales City Council.
In 2016, the Youth Council identified the need for a dedicated space that would be accessible to teens outside of school hours, granting them access to a variety of resources — such as STEAM activities and college and career readiness opportunities — in preparation for life beyond high school.
“We want to create a safe and resourceful place where students can take academics beyond the classroom by immersing themselves into 21st century programs and activities,” according to a statement from the Gonzales Youth Council. “We want to promote college and career readiness, academic success, entrepreneurship, and most importantly — to spark innovation.”
Now, with the $5 million funding, the Teen Innovation Center is becoming a reality.
“I am excited to see what great things will come from this project, and know that it will inspire and transform the lives of the students who will utilize its programs and resources,” Caballero said. “It is my honor to be able to provide $5 million toward the completion of the project, and look forward to attending the ribbon cutting, standing beside the phenomenal members of the Gonzales Youth Council.”
The City of Gonzales gave thanks to the senator for her continuous support.
“We have been supporting our Gonzales youth for quite some time now because they are our future, and if they do well in life, we all do better,” the City stated in a news release. “The Teen Innovation Center, inspired by our Gonzales Youth Council, will allow us to bridge a gap for many of them who don’t currently have a space where they can study, learn, create and visually and dream their future and potential. With the senator’s support, we will build an indispensable opportunity for our young people that will continue to push them to the next level of growth and success.”
