Rosie Lozoya is the city of Norwalk’s recreation supervisor. She can be reached at rlozoya1@norwalkca.gov.

For over three decades, the city of Norwalk has invested in its young people through the Teen Alliance Program (TAP). But this initiative does more than offer volunteer hours or youth events. It is a launchpad for purpose. It is a safe harbor in stormy times. It is proof that when a community believes in its youth, that belief can ignite a lifetime of change.

“I felt invisible before TAP,” said Jordan Del Rio, one of the program’s participants. “Now I know my city sees me — and I see myself differently too.”

A program that grows with its youth

Behind the screens, selfies, and filtered perfection of social media, many teens are quietly struggling. Nationwide, youth are facing an epidemic of anxiety, disconnection, and self-doubt. The numbers are sobering, but they don’t show the quiet questions teens ask themselves every day: Do I matter? Do I belong? Can I make a difference?

In Norwalk, the answer is a resounding yes. City officials created a program in 1995, rooting it in the idea that young people — when given opportunity, guidance, and trust — can rise to any challenge. TAP meets teens where they are and walks with them as they discover who they can become.

“As a parent, I’ve seen my daughter grow from a quiet girl into a leader who isn’t afraid to take initiative,” said Maria Ramirez, mother of a TAP alumni. “TAP gave her more than opportunities — it gave her belief in herself.”

Through partnerships with city departments, nonprofits, and local businesses, TAP gives teens hands-on roles in real community work. They help run events like Relay for Life, assist with emergency preparedness, and shadow professionals across departments — gaining early exposure to careers and civic responsibility.

“TAP changed the direction of my son’s life,” said David Lopez, the father of a current TAP participant. “Instead of drifting, he found purpose, mentors, and a community that truly cares about him.”

One signature initiative, the Girl Power Workshop Series, creates safe spaces for young women to find their voices, confront societal pressures, and step into leadership with confidence.

“Before TAP, I didn’t think my opinion mattered,” said Wendy Segura. “Now I’m helping plan city events, and people listen. It makes me feel like I belong here.”

For many students, TAP has opened doors to future careers and encouraged civic participation. Kayla Duarte once struggled with anxiety and low confidence. Through TAP’s leadership workshops and mentorship, she found her voice — and used it to run community forums on youth wellness. Today, she’s studying psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and hopes to be a therapist for teens like herself.

Jamal Erickson was a quiet junior who rarely spoke up in class. After helping to lead TAP’s summer recreation events, he speaks at city council meetings on behalf of his peers. He says TAP “taught me how to believe in myself — even when no one else did.”

And these aren’t rare exceptions. They’re everyday realities within TAP, which in the last five years has:

• Created over 21,000 volunteer hours.
• Saved over $210,000 in staff time to the city.
• Awarded over $27,000 in scholarships to TAP graduates.

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life, TAP adapted. Programming went virtual, workshops evolved, and teens stayed connected. Recognizing the growing need for mental health support, TAP integrated emotional wellness into its core curriculum, offering sessions on stress management, resilience, and peer support.

The program still actively collaborates with Helpline Youth Counseling, and, through the city’s Social Services Department, provides resources and support to ensure teens have access to emotional wellness services and guidance.

“I’ve seen firsthand how the Teen Alliance Program prepares Norwalk’s youth to grow into leaders,” said Mayor Tony Ayala. “Many of these students later return as public servants in our city, which is a true point of pride for me. Programs like TAP show the value of investing in our young people. When the youth succeed, our entire community is stronger and more connected.”

TAP’s success is a model of what’s possible when a city leads with vision, invests in young people, and cultivates a culture of trust and opportunity. But more than that, it’s a blueprint for belonging. Every city has teens with potential. Every community holds untapped possibilities. Norwalk shows us what happens when city leaders believe in both.

“The Teen Alliance Program is an incredible investment in our youth — empowering them with real-world skills, leadership opportunities, and a strong sense of civic responsibility,” said Vice Mayor Jennifer Perez. “As an elected official, I’m proud to support a program that helps shape tomorrow’s leaders while enriching our city today.”

The city of Norwalk received the 2025 Helen Putnam Award of Excellence in the Public Safety category. For more information about the award program, visit calcities.org/helen-putnam-award-for-excellence.