TO: CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
CLAREMONT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION
FROM: ADAM PIRRIE, CITY MANAGER
DATE: NOVEMBER 13, 2025
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
Title
YOUTH AND SPECIAL NEEDS AND INCLUSIONARY PROGRAM UPDATES (FUNDING SOURCE: GENERAL FUND)
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SUMMARY
The City of Claremont has a long-standing tradition of prioritizing the enrichment and development of its youth through a wide array of programs and services. The Recreation and Human Services Department is the primary provider of these services through its Youth Programs Division and its recently formed Special Needs and Inclusionary Program section.
The Youth Programs Division supports student success through free, accessible after-school programming at the T.R.A.C.K.S. Activity Center (TAC) for junior high school students, the Youth Activity Center (YAC) for high school students, a six-week summer program known as Camp Claremont for elementary students, and leadership opportunities through the Teen Committee. Throughout the year, the Youth Programs Division continues to strengthen partnerships with schools and families, expand enrichment through workshops and free field trips, and provide positive environments that help students grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
In 2023, the Recreation and Human Services Department, in collaboration with a grassroots community initiative, spearheaded the development of the Special Needs and Inclusionary Program section. This program area offers a wide variety of free events for the special needs community and their families throughout the year, both as standalone activities and as part of larger events. Together, these programs build strong connections between youth, individuals of all ages with special needs, parents, and the community.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council and Claremont Unified School District Board of Education receive and file this report.
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ALTERNATIVE TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there is the following alternative:
• Request additional information from staff
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The staff cost to prepare this report is estimated at $1,427 and is included in the operating budget of the Recreation and Human Services Department.
ANALYSIS
Youth Programs Overview
The mission of the Youth Programs Division is to empower young people through education, mentorship, and community engagement. With a dedicated team of 15 staff members, the programs offer safe and inclusive environments that promote personal growth, leadership, and responsibility. Youth Programs operates two free after-school sites, the Youth Activity Center (YAC) at Claremont High School and the T.R.A.C.K.S. Activity Center (TAC) at El Roble Intermediate School. They also manage Camp Claremont, a six-week summer program serving students in grades 1-6.
Both youth centers feature a game room, snack bar, computer lab, and volunteer program. The YAC also includes an art studio, music studio, and movie room. Both programs also go on field trips together, such as a hike on the Claremont Loop, the California Science Center, the Alf Museum, and more. Together, these programs support academic success, social development, and emotional well-being while strengthening the connection between students, families, and the broader community.
T.R.A.C.K.S. Activity Center (TAC)
The T.R.A.C.K.S. Activity Center (TAC) is a free after-school program located in a dedicated facility on the El Roble Intermediate School campus. The TAC operates Monday through Friday until 5:00 PM, serving an average of 140 - 180 students daily in 7th - 8th grade. Participants must be registered by their parents or guardians to attend, and registration is free of charge. The TAC offers a fun, safe, and supportive environment where students can connect with peers and staff while engaging in a variety of activities, games, and special events. Staff collaborate regularly with El Roble Intermediate School faculty and administration to align efforts that support students both socially and academically. In addition to daily programming, the TAC hosts monthly workshops in partnership with Tri-City Mental Health and Parents Anonymous, focusing on emotional wellness, leadership, and personal development. This fall, the program will launch its third annual Life Skills Workshop Series in collaboration with Parents Anonymous, helping students develop confidence, effective communication skills, and self-awareness.
Youth Activity Center (YAC)
The Youth Activity Center (YAC) is a free after-school program located at Joāt Park, adjacent to Claremont High School. The YAC operates Monday through Friday until 5:00 PM, serving an average of 40-75 students daily in grades 9-12. Participants must be registered by their parents or guardians to attend, and registration is free of charge. The YAC provides a safe, inclusive, and engaging space where students can connect with peers and staff while participating in activities, completing homework, and attending free workshops and field trips. The facility features a movie room, music room, snack bar, game room, and art room, providing a range of creative and recreational outlets that foster student growth and expression.
Throughout the school year, the YAC hosts monthly dinners and special events, including the Back-to-School Bash, Teen Committee meetings, and various seasonal celebrations, which foster community connections and promote student leadership. Staff collaborate closely with Claremont High School faculty and counselors to ensure YAC programming supports both academic and social-emotional learning goals. Recent facility upgrades include new flooring, renovated restrooms, and updated furniture, with ongoing plans to enhance the Music and Art Rooms to further enrich the student experience.
Camp Claremont
Camp Claremont is a six-week summer program that operates during the months of June, July, and August at Taylor Hall in Joāt Park. The program welcomes an average of 160 participants daily and serves students in grades 1 - 6. Camp Claremont offers a structured and engaging environment where children participate in themed weeks filled with creative activities, team challenges, and opportunities for social and emotional growth.
Additionally, 7th-12th grade students can participate in the volunteer program, which offers valuable leadership experience and professional skill development. Volunteers receive a t-shirt, extensive hands-on training, and a formal letter of recommendation from the City, recognizing their hours and contributions. Each week, exceptional volunteers are acknowledged through the Volunteer of the Week award, promoting positive participation and community spirit. The program continues to provide families with a dependable and affordable summer option while helping students build friendships, gain confidence, and develop new skills in a safe and supportive setting.
Special Needs and Inclusion Programming
The Special Needs & Resources Working Group was formed in Fall 2022 after two Claremont parents contacted a Claremont City Councilmember, asking what programs the City had for their children with special needs. Following the request, monthly meetings were established, first with only two families, to discuss how the City could best serve those with special needs. From those meetings, the group compiled a community needs assessment for individuals with special needs and their families, which was advertised throughout Claremont and received 58 responses. The group continues to meet monthly, growing to as many as twenty families and community partners each month, to discuss how the City can serve and meet the needs of the special needs community. A monthly newsletter promoting the Special Needs and Inclusion Program events and programs is also sent to a growing distribution list of 250 residents and community members.
In their monthly meetings, special needs families stated the need to feel included in current City events and to have some events and programs exclusively for the special needs community. This resulted in adding an inclusive egg hunt and sensory bins to the City’s Spring Celebration, sensory bins and a parade entry in the City’s 4th of July event, a sensory-friendly meet and greet with public safety prior to the start of National Night Out, and sensory bins and a craft area at the City’s Halloween Spooktacular. The program also added events exclusively for those with special needs and their families, including a St. Patrick’s Day Dance, Resource Fair, Ice Cream & Bingo Bonanza, Fall Ball, Paint Night, Santa Meet & Greet, and a Movie Night. New programs will be added as the program continues to grow.
Teen Committee
The Teen Committee continues to serve as a vital platform for youth leadership, civic engagement, and community service. The Committee is a formal board, appointed by the Community and Human Services Commission, allowing students to learn about the civic engagement process through first-hand experience. To be appointed, youth must undergo a rigorous application and interview process before the selection ad hoc committee recommends them to the full Commission for appointment.
Members have recently strengthened their structure by updating the committee’s policies and procedures. They have also collaborated with the City Manager’s Office and the Public Art Committee to initiate a community mural project that will bring together youth and residents through creative collaboration. Leadership opportunities expanded to include students from both The Webb Schools and the Claremont Unified School District, encouraging diverse perspectives and representation.
Committee members also partnered with Sustainable Claremont to plant trees on local campuses, supported mental wellness by hosting Wellness Week after CUSD finals, and led the annual Holiday Blanket Drive benefiting the House of Ruth. Members continue to demonstrate civic responsibility through Village Clean-Ups, City Hall tours, and educational visits such as the Pomona Valley Transit Station, which give students real-world insight into public service and community infrastructure. Through these experiences, the Teen Committee strengthens youth engagement across the city while providing students with leadership opportunities that benefit both their schools and their community.
Partnership and Collaboration with the Claremont Unified School District (CUSD)
Collaboration with the Claremont Unified School District (CUSD) remains central to the success of Youth Programs. Through consistent communication and teamwork, staff work closely with school administrators, teachers, and counselors to support students both academically and socially. These partnerships have strengthened participation and visibility on school campuses and aligned program goals with academic and social-emotional learning priorities. Regular communication and collaboration have built trust and created a shared vision for student engagement and success.
In addition, the partnership has enabled coordination of joint initiatives, such as the beginning of the year orientations and meetings, and Wolfcast to provide vital information to students. Each of these help address students' emotional and behavioral needs. This ongoing collaboration also fosters consistent guidance and positive communication between program staff and school representatives, ensuring that youth receive the resources, mentorship, and opportunities needed to thrive inside and outside the classroom.
Collaboration with the Claremont Unified School District (CUSD) is also an essential part of the Special Needs and Inclusion Program. Staff have attended events, such as a Coffee with the Director of Special Education and numerous meetings with Claremont Unified School District (CUSD) parents. Flyers of Special Needs and Inclusion events have also been shared with Claremont school district families.
Programming Enhancements
Over the past two years, Youth Programs staff have focused on integrating new technologies, improving communication, and upgrading facilities to better serve students and families. These efforts have enabled increased participation, enhanced data management, and improved accessibility. This enables parents to stay informed, staff to provide better support to students, and schools to collaborate more effectively. The improved structure has allowed Youth Programs to respond quickly to student needs, maintain stronger communication with families, and strengthen partnerships that support student well-being.
In addition to operational improvements, both the YAC and the TAC received extensive facility upgrades that enhance the overall student experience. New furniture, fresh paint, and updated flooring have helped create more comfortable and engaging environments for learning, recreation, and connection. Both centers introduced new creative spaces designed to promote teamwork, leadership, and passion, while updated murals and artwork celebrate student involvement and ownership of their spaces. Together, these enhancements have made the City’s youth facilities safer, more welcoming, and better aligned with the needs of today’s students and families. By continuing to modernize facilities and streamline communication, Youth Programs are creating environments where every participant feels supported, valued, and inspired to grow.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Staff has evaluated the agenda item in relationship to the City’s strategic and visioning documents and finds that it applies to the following City Planning Documents: Council Priorities, General Plan, 2024-26 Budget, and the Youth and Family Master Plan.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted by: Reviewed by:
Adam Pirrie Melissa Vollaro
City Manager Recreation and Human Services Director
Prepared by: Reviewed by:
Skylar Segura Eric Ey
Sr. Recreation and Human Svcs. Supervisor Recreation and Human Services Manager
Prepared by:
Michelle Castillo
Management Analyst