Centre Future: Re-Engaging Opportunity Youth
El Paso Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Centre Future which opened April 10, 2025, is the first reengagement center in the Nation to be housed in a Public Library. The center was created by young adults, for young adults. Peer mentorship is what makes the center different from our Library’s pre-existing Teen Hangout program. Centre Future provides resources to connect to Opportunity Youth to educational opportunities, employment, and personal well-being. This is a space where the hallmarks of a great library; creativity, curiosity, and community, come together to intentionally support young people as they take steps toward a thoughtful future.
Challenge/Opportunity
In El Paso, Texas, nearly 15,000 young adults (ages 16-24) are not working and not in school, a population widely recognized as Opportunity Youth Young Adults (OYYA). This combined with the high demand for the library’s longstanding Career Online High School program, which has only a limited number of scholarships per year, made it clear that our city needs a greater diversity of career, education, and community engagement opportunities for young people. Many young adult ages 16-26 lack a single, accessible place to get career, education, and wellness support tailored to their age group. Traditionally libraries services are not always designed with this age group in specific or transitional needs like a first job, furthering or completing school, or overall independence.
Key Elements of Innovation
Centre Future is open 7 days a week nested in the basement of Main Library, in downtown El Paso. What was previously the print shop, is now a standalone room designated exclusively for the 16-26 age range. The room is designed intentionally with low lighting, standing desks, comfortable seating, modular furniture, and a range of relevant amenities including; a 3-D Printer, an acoustically treated content creation studio, craft kits, a sewing machine, a Vibe Board and a community closet. The culture is created with purpose at the core, as our weekly programs focus on in demand skill building, resource sharing, and career advancement. Peer mentors staff the space, facilitating a for youth-by-youth experience, creating a bridge with patrons via personalized bilingual, trauma-informed Peer Support plans, familiarity, and regular accountability check ins. Participants are seen and remembered as they tackle the unique challenges of young adulthood, all at one safe space at the library.
Achieved Outcomes
4,213 attendees from 9/25 to 8/26.166 personalized support plans completed. 8 OY students completed their HS education through Library High School diploma program. 148 Programs annually. Partnerships: UTEP, ESC 19, Head Start, Breakthrough 915, SISD, YCLC, Project Vida, El Paso Promise Program, Workforce Solutions Borderplex, BBBS of El Paso, United Way
19-year-old participant expressed that CF provided the support and courage needed to leave a dangerous situation, land an internship, and overcome the frustration of "ghost jobs". Participants enjoy finding peers in similar situations, noting that having a space to talk openly about life goals and challenges is deeply encouraging. 21-year-old shared that without CF, life would be lacking motivation and optimism "finding the space sparked my hope and gave me faith" through access to supplies, staff, and free resources. Leadership foresee scaling the CF model across 14 library branches dedicating spaces for young adults city-wide.
Supporting Materials:
- Instagram post: _centrefuture_Your future starts here ✨ Centre Future is a program for 16-26 year olds who are looking for their next step for work and school!
- Instagram post: delastoryofficialDowntown library is open again and with a hidden room 👀🌱 @elpasolibrary @_centrefuture_ Walk around and then head downstairs it’s quiet the treat 🔮
