Ross Valley Fire Explorer Post
A Boy Scouts of America Explorer post run by the Ross Valley Fire Department in Marin County, giving teens hands-on exposure to firefighting: hose and ladder drills, rope rescue, wildland fire training, vehicle extrication, and ride-alongs on engine company emergency calls. Explorers attend weekly Sunday drills and an intensive April academy.
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San Jose Fire Explorers Post 888
A Learning for Life Explorer post run by the San Jose Fire Department that trains young people in firefighting techniques, emergency response, and leadership through classroom instruction and hands-on drills, while participants earn community service hours and direct exposure to a fire service career.
BSA Learning for Life Fire & EMS Career Exploring
A national Learning for Life career-exploration program placing youth from 6th grade through age 20 into local 'Exploring' posts hosted by fire departments and EMS agencies, combining classroom training with hands-on practice in firefighting, EMT/paramedic skills, and search and rescue. Local posts operate throughout Northern California, findable via the national Council Locator.
ALA California Girls State
ALA California Girls State, run by the American Legion Auxiliary, is a weeklong residential program for rising senior young women to learn the operation of government by campaigning for and holding mock city, county, and state offices. The 83rd session runs June 22-27, 2026.
American Legion California Boys & Girls State
American Legion California Boys & Girls State is a weeklong, coeducational hands-on civics program where rising seniors build and run mock city, county, and state governments, campaign for office, and pass legislation. The 87th session runs June 20-27, 2026 at California State University, Sacramento.
Enterprise for Youth: Paid Internship Program
A San Francisco nonprofit's paid internship placement program for high school juniors and seniors, offering roles across industries such as tech, retail, healthcare, and small business. Interns complete 75 hours (about 12 hours/week) with weekly professional development workshops and job coach support.
HealthLink at UCSF
A free, year-long mentorship program pairing first-generation, college-bound Bay Area high schoolers (sophomores preferred) with UCSF graduate student mentors from Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Physical Therapy, and Medicine, through monthly Saturday workshops and one-on-one mentoring.