Youth Services

Madrigal Youth Center provides teenagers a place to socialize, play games, watch TV and study in their own room, and a computer room is available with four computers. Programs are planned for youth ages 5-18, or kindergarten through high school, with instructional classes and sports programs. Summer and before-and-after school programs are available for children kindergarten through sixth grade. Call 940-676-5437 or DSN 312-736-5437.

Youth Sponsorship Program

If you are a teenager moving to Sheppard AFB, you will probably find that teens here have the same interests, hopes, dreams and concerns that you have. Most teens keep busy going to school, being involved in extracurricular activities such as band or sports, working part-time jobs, volunteering, etc.

Before coming to Sheppard, you may want to request a local teen to correspond with through the Pen Pal Program, Kids Talking to Kids, at the base Youth Center. This will enable you to know someone when you arrive, and it is a good way to find out "what's hot and what's not" in this area. After arriving in the area, the easiest and quickest way to meet people and make new friends is to get involved. Pursue clubs and organizations in school that interest you, become involved in a local religious organization, take part in recreational opportunities and volunteer your time.

Kids Talking to Kids Sponsorship Program -- Answer these questions on a separate sheet of paper and mail it to the address below. We will pass on your request for a pen pal to someone your age who will begin corresponding with you.

1. Your Name, 2. Your Age, 3. Male/Female, 4. Your Address, 5. Your Phone Number, 6. Your Grade in School, 7. Your Hobbies, 8. Your Favorite Sport, 9. Your Favorite Music.

Mail to: Youth Center, 82 FSS/FSFY, 118 I Avenue, Sheppard AFB, TX 76311-3046

Once your request is received, a pen pal your age will be assigned to you.

Youth Center

Children of active-duty and retired military members and DOD and NAF employees are offered a complete year-round program of recreational, cultural, educational and social activities through the Madrigal Youth Center. Children under 9 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during periods of open recreation at the Youth Center.

The gymnasium can be divided into two rooms, allowing basketball and volleyball games to be played at the same time. Teenagers can socialize, play games, watch TV and study and a computers are available.  

Programs are planned for youth ages 5-18, or kindergarten through high school, with instructional classes and sports programs. Summer and before-and-after school programs are available for children kindergarten though sixth grade. These include crafts, physical fitness activities, tours, bowling, skating, swimming and outdoor fun.

The new Power Hour Club is an educational enrichment program. Students can get help with homework and talk to a tutor. Students are given the extra opportunity to practice and reinforce skills and concepts learned in school.

Before and After School Program

The program offers care beginning at 6:00 a.m. and ending at 6p.m. Fees are based on total family income and fee categories. Call the Youth Center for complete schedules and charges.

Youth Sports

A wide variety of sports and instructional programs are offered including flag football, soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball and cheerleading. Sports coaches are NYSCA (National Youth Sports Coaches Association) certified. Instructional classes include piano/guitar, and Taekwondo.

Boy and Girl Scouts

Girls and Boys Scout troops are active on Sheppard Air Force Base. There are nine troops available for K-12 grade to participate in. Activities include camping, gift wrapping, helping the less fortunate in the community, organizing food drives, baking cookies for Airmen leaving the base during Exodus, and providing baby baskets for babies born at the local hospital. All troops have their headquarters in the back of building 1200.

Force Four

Provide 4-H curriculm gardening, photography and cooking experiences.

Boys and Girls Club

Open rec program mirrors Boys and Girls club curriclum.  Torch Club, Keystone, Smart Girls, Passport to Manhood, and Triple-play.

For more information, please contact the Youth Center at 940-676-5437 or DSN: 312-736-5437.

Driver's License

Driver's Licenses are issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety, which can be reached at (940) 851-5647. 

In order for teens under age 18 to get a driver's license, they have to show proof of completion of driver's education classes, Parent Taught Driver Education, have a signed authorization from their parents,(form available at the Department of Public Safety), present a birth certificate, military ID or passport, and have proof of enrollment from their school's attendance office.

A 15-year-old may get a driving permit by meeting the requirements listed above and taking a written exam. A 16-year old may get a driver's license by meeting the above requirements and taking a written exam. (Road test requirements may be waived with proof of driver's education classes). Driver's education classes must show that the teen has had 32 hours of classroom instruction and 14 driving hours. Contact the Department of Public Safety for questions or the Parent Taught Driver Kit.

Teenagers who obtain their driver's license have restrictions on their license for the first six months.  The new Graduated Driver's License Program prohibits teens from having more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member, and from driving after midnight and before 5:00 a.m. unless driving is necessary for employment, school or school-related activities or in a medical emergency.

Driver Education Classes are offered in the following school districts:

• Wichita Falls Independent School District - No classes provided.
• Burkburnett Independent School District - Driver's education classes are offered through the high school. The student must turn 15 before the end of the class. Cost is $250 payable before classes begin. Classroom instruction is offered during the school year; driving instruction is offered through the summer.
• Iowa Park Independent School District - Driver's education classes are offered through the high school. The student must turn 15 before the end of the class. Cost is $200 payable before classes begin. Classroom instruction starts in March; driving instruction will begin in May and run through June. 
• Commercial driving schools are available in the local area. Look in the Yellow Pages of the local phone book under "Driving Schools".

Base Curfew

No requirements.

School Information

If you reside on base in the Freedom Estates housing area, and you are a junior high or high school student, you will attend schools in the Burkburnett Independent School District.  Buses will transport you to nearby Burkburnett.  If you reside on base in the Wind Creek Village housing area, you will attend school in the Wichita Falls Independent School District.  Junior high school students will be bused to Kirby Junior High School and high school students will be bused to Hirschi High School.  If you live in the Heritage Heights housing area on base, you will be bused to either Wichita Falls or Burkburnett schools, depending on the specific location of your assigned housing.

School Choice/Transfer Selection -- The Controlled Choice Program is being utilized to improve racial balance in all schools, grades 7-12 in the Wichita Falls Independent School District. For more information regarding your school selection or transfer choices, please contact the Wichita Falls Independent School District, Court Compliance Office, at 940-20-4962/4966.

Scholarships and Grants

The following is a sample of where you can get information and apply for scholarships and grants when attending college:

Scholarship Resource Network -- The Military and Family Readiness Center operates this computer program to link students with organizations and agencies they can apply to for scholarships and grants. The list of agencies is tailored to the student based on their personal information. Call 940-676-4358 or DSN 312-736-4358.

Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program -- Offered through the Air Force Aid Society, this program offers $1,500 grants to dependents of Air Force members who are pursuing undergraduate degrees. Offered once a year, normally the applications become available in the Nov-Dec timeframe, with actual filing deadline in March of the following year. Call 940-676-4358 or DSN 312-736-4358.

For further information on scholarships and grants, contact the base education office or your school's financial aid office.