Glisten National Student Council
A national youth leadership program run by Glisten (formerly GLSEN) for LGBTQ+ and ally high schoolers in grades 9-12 to build advocacy and leadership skills and help shape the organization's programs addressing school climate, racial justice, gender justice, and disability justice. Selected students receive a $1,000 stipend for their year of service on the council.
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Climate Corps Leadership Institute (Watsonville Wetlands Watch)
A year-long paid internship for Watsonville high school students that builds climate action leadership through hands-on watershed and wetland work. Interns gain experience in urban forestry, habitat restoration, community science monitoring, and climate justice advocacy in the Pajaro Valley, presented in partnership with local schools.
Rainbow Community Center Youth Program
A drop-in peer support and leadership-development program for LGBTQIA2S+ youth ages 12-25 run by the Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa County. The weekly Youth Group offers identity exploration, peer support, leadership training, workshops, and community events in a confidential, affirming space.
YOUTH: Creative Competition for Bay Area High School Artists
Organized around the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and promoted through Creative Sonoma, this annual competition invites Bay Area high school students to submit original work in essay, poetry, video, or fine art categories. Winners are recognized at a public 'Step Into the Light' exhibit and awards ceremony, with cash and prizes for best-of-show entries in each category.
BAVC Media Next Gen
Next Gen is a free semester-long after-school media program at BAVC Media in San Francisco for youth ages 14-17, distinct from BAVC's other youth offerings like Climate Warriors. Students choose a track in DSLR video production/cinematography (Factory) or frame/stop-motion animation, meet twice weekly, and can earn a $300 completion incentive while building a college-application portfolio.
Foodwise Teens
A free youth development program from the San Francisco nonprofit Foodwise (formerly CUESA) that trains SFUSD high school students in sustainable food systems through three tracks: Seed (foundational after-school learning), Grow (teen-led projects), and Cultivate (paid summer job placements with mentorship in gardens, kitchens, and farmers markets).
Fresno County Health Youth Corps
A two-semester public health leadership program launched by UCSF Fresno, Fresno County Public Health, and the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools that trains historically marginalized high schoolers to become community health champions, culminating in a community health initiative and annual showcase.