My name is Camden Aguilera (she/they), Youth Services Manager at The Center’s Hillcrest Youth Center (HYC). I’m excited to highlight how Youth Services at The Center is meeting the needs of our LGBTQ+ youth, from providing safe spaces to connecting youth to affirming resources.
In the current political climate, LGBTQ+ youth—especially trans and nonbinary youth—are facing immense challenges as they are increasingly targeted by anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and harmful policies. We see firsthand how this impacts their well-being, leading to heightened feelings of fear, isolation, and uncertainty. On top of that, many LGBTQ+ youth also struggle with self-discovery, relationships, school, and family. It is more important than ever to address these struggles and provide spaces where young people feel safe, valued, and supported.
At HYC and South Bay Youth Center (SBYC), we are dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ and nonbinary youth, as well as young people living with HIV, helping them navigate life’s challenges and thrive into adulthood. We take pride in offering a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment. Each month, we provide a variety of services, including HIV testing, counseling, support groups, social activities, family advocacy, and a place for youth to relax, connect, and express themselves.
In addition to our regular events and services, we now offer crisis services drop-ins. A member of The Center’s Crisis Services team is available to provide support at SBYC on Mondays from 11am-3pm. LGBTQ+ youth can access case management and receive support for issues like domestic violence, homelessness, discrimination, hate crimes, and bullying.
The drop-in also provides referrals for counseling and therapy to address mental health challenges, healthcare navigation, HIV support, and services for transgender youth seeking gender-affirming care.
While LGBTQ+ youth often need critical support, it’s also important to provide spaces for connection and fun. That’s why we’re excited to join Project TRANS at The Center for our upcoming Queer Unity Movie Night on February 27 from 5-pm! We will screen a PG-13 film that combines teenage horror drama with queer storytelling. It’s going to be a super fun and inclusive event for all ages, and we’ll have snacks to enjoy while we watch.
In addition to the youth programs and services provided by The Center, our Youth Services team can connect students to scholarship opportunities available to LGBTQ+ youth provided by other organizations, to support them through their educational journey:
National Rainbow College Fund Scholarship — Due March 5
The National Rainbow College Fund (NRCF) from the San Diego Foundation is the first scholarship designed to exclusively support LGBTQ+ students pursuing a higher education. The $2,500 scholarship is available to high school seniors, college students, and adult re-entry students who live in California and have financial need. Applications must be submitted by March 5, 2025. Learn more and apply on the NRCF website.
San Diego Foundation’s Common Scholarship — Due March 5
The San Diego Foundation’s Common Scholarship provides students access to more than 130 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, college students, and adult re-entry students who live in San Diego County and have financial need. The application deadline is March 5, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit their website.
PFLAG San Diego County Scholarship — Due March 15
PFLAG San Diego County is offering scholarships to LGBTQ+ high school and college students who reside in San Diego County. There are a minimum of 22 scholarships, including for community college and vocational schools, with amounts ranging from $2,000-$5,000. The deadline for applying is March 15, 2025. The application, requirements, and other information are available on the PLFAG website.
Tracie Jada O’Brien Transgender Student Scholarship — Due March 20
Students who are located in San Diego or are from San Diego, who are transgender or outside the gender binary, and enrolled in a two- or four-year institution of higher learning, technical, vocational, or graduate school, can apply to the Tracie Jada O’Brien Transgender Student Scholarship. Awardees are announced at the Transgender Day of Empowerment event at The Center on Friday, April 4, 2025. Donations for this scholarship fund are still being accepted. Visit sdpride.org/tdoe/ for more information.
LGBTQ+ youth are our future. The next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders need our support more than ever. At a time when our community is being targeted simply for being who we are, The Center is proud to uplift and support LGBTQ+ youth.
In community,
Camden Aguilera (she/they)
Youth Services Manager, Hillcrest Youth Center