Youth Law Academy (Centro Legal de la Raza)
The Youth Law Academy is a three-year legal pathway program at Centro Legal de la Raza for Oakland high school students, combining mentorship, legal-education workshops, and college-access support beginning in 9th grade. Students build confidence navigating the legal system while preparing for college and law-related careers.
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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).
Peninsula Volunteers Teen Volunteer Program (Little House & Rosener House)
Peninsula Volunteers Inc. in Menlo Park runs Little House (a senior activity center) and Rosener House (adult day services), which welcome teen and school-group volunteers for arts and crafts with seniors, meal service at the Little House Cafe, grounds/gardening help, and making seasonal cards for isolated older adults. Group volunteering must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.
Public Health Solutions (PHS) - Contra Costa Health
A training-and-internship model run by Contra Costa Health that teaches youth ages 14-19 from underserved communities the principles of public health, social determinants of health, and health equity, with successful completers matched to paid public health internships.
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.
American Legion Oratorical Contest – California
The American Legion's High School Oratorical Scholarship Program is a constitutional speech contest requiring students to deliver original orations on the U.S. Constitution and citizens' duties to government. California students compete through post, district, and area rounds before an annual Department (state) final, with winners advancing toward national competition for college scholarships.
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.