Community Organizations, Contests and Other Opportunities
Check out these leadership opportunities within community organizations, contests, publications, etc.
open to San Francisco high school students!
Organizations to Join
STEM4CHANGESF is a youth-led nonprofit that empowers students through mental health education, scientific exploration, and community service. Anyone ages 11-22 that live in San Francisco can join as a member by applying here. Members get invited to workshops and events and help fuel their mission of having more mental health awareness and learning about science.
SFUSD (San Francisco Unified School District) Student Advisory Council is a citywide, youth-led organization that is committed to providing a voice for the students of the San Francisco Unified School District by representing and presenting the interests of the students to the administrative and policy-making bodies of the San Francisco Unified School District. Applications are typically due in mid-May for the following school year. Application can be found on their Instagram. For more info, go to their website.
PACA (Provide Advocacy and Care to All) is a youth-led nonprofit under the Youth Empowerment Fund of the YMCA of SF guiding youth to advocate with impact through projects. In order to apply to become a mentee, mentor or advocate, you must attend school and live in San Francisco, be a high school student under 18, and be interested in youth advocacy. For more info, click here.
SAN FRANCISCO YOUTH COMMISSION is responsible for advising the Mayor and Board of Supervisors on policies and laws related to young people. Applications are typically due end of April/early May. Must live in SF and be 12-23 years old. The Youth Commission office has a rigorous application process that consists of a written or video application with an optional letter of recommendation submission, and in-person/virtual interviews. Click here for application
PROJECT WARMTH is a youth-led organization that aims to provide resources to people experiencing health and financial disparities. Board Applications for positions are typically due in May. Click here for application.
RED CROSS YOUTH EXECUTIVE BOARD. The West By Youth Executive Board serving the needs of the SF/SM community through service, education and leadership. YEB Applications Open - Deadline is typically end of April. Must be a current 9th-11th grader. Click here for application.
SF CHANGE is a student led community organization that helps advance the new generation of education. If you are interested in education and advocacy, you can apply to be a Workshop Director. Workshop Directors plan and facilitate workshops to present to students around San Francisco. Some of the topics include mental health, resume building, drug prevention, and more! @sf.change
Publications and Contests
uCreate is a youth organization dedicated to fostering creativity and promoting entrepreneurial growth amongst youth artists. Summer program applications are due April 25, 2025. Click here for application. They are also hosting a Book Redesign Contest - learn more at @ucreate.sf
Bay Area Creative Youth Awards are open to all San Francisco Bay Area high school students, who are invited to submit creative work across seven artistic categories: Creative Writing, Dance, Film, Music Performance, Original Music, Photography and Visual Art. Students are limited to 1 submission per year. Awards range from $100-$1000. Submissions close in December. Learn more at https://www.bayareacreativefoundation.org/creative-youth-awards