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Los Alamitos Youth Center Inc

EIN 95-2142369 · Los Alamitos, CA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair54 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Los Alamitos Youth Center (the Youth Center) fulfills a mission to transform childrens lives one family at a time through collaborative social, educational, and recreational programs. Total 3,608 students served in 2025.

Income
$1.1 million
Spending
$904,781
Spent on programs
67%
Reserves
0.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 51%
Employees
53
Volunteers
494
Highest pay
$141,476, ceo

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 54 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    10 of 20

    It owes 36% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 15% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 4% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    67% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 14 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    18 of 18 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)
  1. $560,189 spent. After-School Programs and Summer Camps The Youth Center provides safe, enriching, and accessible programs that support youth and working families in our community. Our free after-school program for middle school students in grades 6 through 8 offers a structured and supervised environment during critical after-school hours, helping keep youth safe and engaged. Students receive daily homework assistance, tutoring, and opportunities to participate in sports, arts, and leadership activities. We also offer low-cost after-school childcare at two locations, serving more than 600 children each year. These programs provide families with reliable, affordable care while supporting students academic success and social development. Camp S.H.A.R.K. (Science, Hands-On, Art, Recreation, Knowledge) is our low-cost outdoor summer camp serving more than 500 children ages 5 through 12 annually. No child is turned away due to an inability to pay. The camp is screen-free and encourages children to connect with nature, build friendships, and participate in educational and creative activities. Together, these programs ensure that all children have access to safe spaces, caring mentors, and opportunities to learn and grow.
  2. $33,053 spent. Recreational, Arts, and Educational Programs The Youth Center offers a variety of programs designed to inspire creativity, build skills, and support youth development. Our after-school music program is conducted in partnership with the Los Alamitos Unified School District and provides string and band instruction to public, home, and independent school students in grades K through 5. After one year of instruction, students in grades 1 through 5 may participate in the elementary string ensemble or jazz band. More than 250 students participate annually, and no child is turned away due to an inability to pay. Saturday classes are also offered to expand access and enrichment opportunities. The Leadership Academy serves 30 students each year and focuses on building essential life skills, including goal setting, cooking, banking, car insurance and maintenance, career readiness, and healthy living. Our Girls in STEM program is designed for elementary school students, with a focus on empowering girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and leadership activities, participants develop confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. This program helps break down barriers, inspire future innovators, and promote a more diverse and inclusive STEM workforce.
  3. $11,148 spent. Every 15 Minutes Program The Youth Center partners with Los Alamitos High School to present the Every 15 Minutes program, a two-day educational experience that raises awareness about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving among teens. Through realistic crash reenactments, emergency response simulations, and impactful presentations by students and parents, the program highlights the real-life consequences of risky driving behaviors. By engaging participants in meaningful and reflective activities, the program encourages responsible decision-making and promotes greater community awareness and safety.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since October 1952.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.