American Legion Boys State
A week-long, sponsor-funded citizenship and government simulation where rising senior boys elect officials and run a mock state government to learn how democracy functions in practice.
highly respected and selective educational programs
high school juniors learn about local, state, and federal government
participants become part of the operation of local, county and state government
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ALA Girls State
A week-long leadership and civics program run by the American Legion Auxiliary in which rising senior girls build and operate a simulated city and state government.
California Youth Leadership Forum (YLF)
A free, week-long residential leadership program in Sacramento for California high schoolers with disabilities. Delegates take part in workshops, mock legislative sessions, and guest speakers covering self-advocacy, postsecondary education, career readiness, and public policy.
Galileo Camps – Summer Staff (Counselor/Instructor)
Galileo is a Bay Area-based summer camp network; high-school juniors and seniors can work or intern on staff supporting art, design, and STEM camp sessions, building leadership and classroom-management skills while earning pay.
NFB Youth Slam
A nationwide, week-long residential STEM program from the National Federation of the Blind that empowers blind and low-vision high schoolers to explore science and engineering, build leadership skills, and connect with blind mentors and peers. The next Slam runs July 25-31, 2027.
SRVEF Summer Imagineering – High School Mentor
The San Ramon Valley Education Foundation's Summer Imagineering Program hires high-school mentors to assist adult instructors in week-long STEM/STEAM classes for elementary and middle-school students. As a mentor, you help run hands-on projects in science, technology, engineering, art, and math, support small groups, and model problem-solving and teamwork. You must commit to one full week at a time (morning or afternoon session) during June or July, and you're interviewed and selected by the program manager. This is a strong local leadership and teaching EC that shows STEM outreach and community impact.
Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
Free, fully-funded summer humanities seminar for high school sophomores and juniors hosted by the Telluride Association. Two tracks: TASS-CBS (Critical Black Studies) and TASS-AOS (Anti-Oppressive Studies). About five weeks of intensive seminars with college instructors plus democratic community life. All tuition, books, room, board, and field trips covered.