Teens In Action™

Skills You’ll Actually Use After Graduation

High school is a lot. Classes. Activities. Social media. Relationship drama. The pressure of everyone asking, “What are you doing after graduation?”

The skills you need to handle all of it aren’t in a textbook. But they’re exactly what colleges and employers are looking for.

Teens In Action™ helps prepare you to lead and succeed.

See the Skills & Why They Matter

A high school girl who participants in Teens In Action speaks confidently at the podium. She is a white female with long brown hair wearing a black suit jacket.

A diverse group of happy needs, smiling into the camera

What is Teens In Action™?

Teens In Action™ is Frameworks of Tampa Bay’s flagship program for high school students. It’s built around one powerful idea: when teens develop emotional intelligence, they’re better equipped to lead, connect, and thrive on any path they choose.

With two distinct programs, students gain real-world experience that equips them with the most important skills that predict future success. Through community volunteering, leadership workshops, and a lot of fun, you’ll be ready to take on whatever comes next.

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500+
Teens impacted by Teens In Action™

70%
Teens who showed growth in relationship and teamwork skills

65%
Teens who reported stronger social awareness and empathy

Two Ways to Get Involved

Teens In Action™ Leadership Council

The Teens In Action™ Leadership Council is a 10-month civic engagement and leadership program for high school students across Hillsborough County. Each month, members come together for EQ development workshops with expert guest speakers, then take those skills into the real world through weekly community service at a partner site in a field they actually care about. The Leadership Council is made possible by generous support from the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.

Four diverse teens looking at something together and smiling

How it Works

Meet once a month (free dinner included!).
Participate in fun, interactive workshops with expert speakers.
Earn 30 service hours toward Bright Futures + college applications.
Attend a one-day skill-building retreat.
Develop and pitch a community impact project to real stakeholders.

What You’ll Gain

Boost your confidence and emotional intelligence.
Learn how to lead, speak up, handle tough conversations, and make responsible decisions.
Develop projects you’re passionate about and share your proposals with key stakeholders in the community.
Highlight your accomplishments at an end-of-year showcase event.
Build lasting friendships.
Impress college admission boards.

Apply Now

Teens In Action™ Campus Clubs

Teens In Action™ Campus Clubs bring the power of EQ right to your high school once a month, during the school day, at no cost to you or your school.

Facilitated by Frameworks of Tampa Bay, Campus Clubs are where students build emotional intelligence and leadership skills in an engaging, low-pressure environment. Think impactful workshops, guest speakers, and real opportunities to get involved in your community, all before the final bell.

Two Black teens making a heart with their hands

Student Benefits

Monthly EQ workshops featuring impactful guest speakers
Meaningful community service and volunteer opportunities
Boosted college/career readiness
Authentic leadership experience
Professional references
College scholarship opportunities
Lifelong friendships
Free club T-shirt

Start a Club

Real Talk from Real Teens

“Teens In Action™ really encourages you to be an effective leader. The leadership skills I’ve gained will help me throughout my career.”

“I have learned a lot about emotional intelligence skills through Teens In Action™. All the competencies will help me in my career and life. Self-management, social awareness, self-awareness, decision making, and relationship skills are all crucial to a successful career.”

“Teens In Action™ has helped me grow as a person by constantly challenging me to be a better version of myself. I have learned new ways to communicate with adults and I have also found my love for volunteering.”

“Teens In Action™ has helped me grow so much in my leadership skills. I have learned how to effectively communicate with a larger group while also listening to everyone’s input. My work in the Capstone Service Project has taught me how to take initiative to meet deadlines and stay on task. Finally, I learned how to be more confident in front of big groups and really have stepped out of my shell.”

“The thing I valued most about Teens In Action™ was the incredible guest speakers at our workshops. It was such a privilege to hear from some of the most hardworking, compassionate people in Tampa Bay.”

“My favorite part about Teens In Action™ is getting to connect with so many people in our community outside of my normal group. I love getting to know all the members, especially since some of them don’t go to the same school as me and I otherwise would not have met them. I especially love getting to connect with the kids from [my service site] on a personal level and watch them develop emotional intelligence throughout the year.”

“One way Teens In Action™ has helped me grow academically is through the many tips we have learned for stress management through workshops. I have learned tips to deal with stress from school such as going on walks, keeping a journal, listening to music, and more. I use these tips every day at school whenever I feel overwhelmed with tests and homework.”

“Teens In Action™ has helped me in a multitude of ways, such as expanding my comfort zone, strengthening my leadership skills, and making new connections with different people. Becoming a team lead has helped me learn many different leadership skills that I previously lacked, and I have confidence that I will carry those skills with me far beyond the program.”

“Teens In Action™ has helped me grow academically by teaching me new ways to deal with my problems. If I encounter a problem with school, I now have better strategies to solve it and, if need be, talk to my teachers with respect.”

“Teens In Action™ has helped me become a more personable leader. I’ve always had the kind of attitude to go out and take control, but Teens In Action™ has taught me to do it in a respectful manner and has taught me to lead through involvement and example.”