Youth Under 14 (and up)
The opportunities listed here are updated frequently.
If you know of a job, internship, scholarship, program, or other resource that should be included on this page, please let us know at info@dcyf.org.
Disclaimer: DCYF’s only purpose in sharing this list is to provide general information about opportunities for San Francisco youth. DCYF does not endorse any of the programs listed on this page, and is not liable for any of the services nor activities provided by any of the agencies listed on this page.
BAYCAT Academy: FREE Digital Media Classes
If you're a San Francisco resident, 11-18 years old, and interested in video or audio production, BAYCAT Academy is the place for you! BAYCAT offers FREE year-round classes for both emerging and experienced creatives. During their Intro courses, emerging media producers will learn the basics of storytelling and editing by working with professional gear and software. During their Advanced class – a paid internship – experienced producers will expand their skills by collaborating with real clients. BAYCAT is at 2415 3rd St., Suite 230, in San Francisco's Dogpatch neighborhood (near Chase Center).
CHINATOWN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CENTER’S YOUTH PROGRAM
Our young people are not only the future of our neighborhoods, but also key to thriving communities today. To foster the leadership potential of Chinatown youth, Chinatown CDC created the Adopt-An-Alleyway Youth Project in 1991. The project was part of the neighborhood service and empowerment program of Chinatown CDC and served to improve the conditions of Chinatown’s alleyways through youth-led neighborhood service activities. Since then, Chinatown CDC’s youth programs have expanded to address a wide range of needs in our community. The Chinatown CDC Youth Leadership Program offers young people from grades 9 to 12 intensive involvement in community issues. Our programs give youth opportunities to learn more about their community and apply what they learn through direct services to become effective future community leaders.
Applications accepted all year.
CODEWIZARDSHQ
CodeWizardsHQ delivers fun and effective live, online coding classes for kids and teens ages 8-18. Their coding classes are designed to give students the programming knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in a digital world.
Free Capoeira Classes
ABADÁ-Capoeira San Francisco (ACSF) offers all of their Teen/Adult Capoeira classes to youth ages 13-19 FREE of charge ALL YEAR LONG. ACSF provides teens a safe space to challenge themselves, develop bonds with their peers, and make the transition from kid’s classes to adult training. While pre-registration is suggested, drop-in students will be admitted as long as they are on time.
Free School and Sports Physicals
SF Department of Public Health’s Community Health Programs for Youth (CHPY) is open for school physicals and sports physicals for youth ages 12-25. These services are offered at no charge to the student or family. Please call to make an appointment.
Locations:
3rd Street Youth Clinic, 1728 Bancroft Avenue (at 3rd Street), 415-822-1707
Cole Street Health Clinic, Huckleberry MSC at 555 Cole Street, 415-822-1707
Michael Baxter Larkin Street Youth Clinic, 134 Golden Gate Avenue, 415-673-0911 x259
Balboa Teen Health Center, 1000 Cayuga Ave. Room 156, 415-469-4512
Burton High School Clinic (for Burton students), 400 Mansell Street, 415-469-4006 x3
Willie Brown School Clinic (for Willie Brown Middle School and Marshall High School Students), 2055 Silver Ave., 415-642-8901
Golden Gate Area Council - Boy Scouts of America
Do you crave excitement and opportunities to develop your character? Golden Gate Area Council, Boy Scouts of America will gladly help you start your adventure with a unit that fits your needs and engrosses you in nature, values, and camaraderie. We offer various activities and programs to help you grow, learn, and have fun. With more than 20 Packs, Troops, and Ships to choose from, there is a scouting program that fits every individual. Whether it's the path to Eagle Scout or just a desire to learn about and enjoy the outdoors, scouting has something for everyone.
Cub Scouts for boys, girls, and non-gender conforming youth ages 5 to 11
Scouts BSA for ages 11 to 18
Sea Scouts for ages 14 to 20
Opportunities For All Summer 2024 Internships
Opportunities for All (OFA) provides access to career exploration and workforce development for San Francisco’s youth and young adults. The initiative includes paid internships, mentorship, and pathways to employment, including job readiness, career training, and apprenticeship for participants. Applicants must be San Francisco Residents and/or SFUSD students between the ages of 13 - 24.
The application period will be open through the end of May 2024, but you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Queer LifeSpace’s Outlandish! Program
Outlandish! is geared towards LGBTQIA+ youth ages 13-15 and 16-18. There are numerous studies demonstrating that time spent in nature is incredibly valuable for youth. In our modern-day culture, it is becoming an increasingly rare occurrence. The program aims to bring LGBTQIA+ youth out into nature for day-long hikes and other activities. The participants, accompanied by qualified adults, will be immersed in the natural world where they can learn about themselves and the complex ecosystems around them. There will be 1-2 outings per month on Saturdays. Groups will meet at a central location easily accessed by public transit either in San Francisco, Marin, or East Bay, and locations may include the Marin Headlands, any number of parks in the Oakland hills, Land’s End in SF, any of the hikes around Mt. Tam, and more.
San Francisco Public Library’s Free College & Life Skills Workshops for Teens
The SF Public Library is partnering with Study Smart Tutors to provide free college and life skills classes that range from socioemotional well-being to youth workforce development and college prep. Strengthen public speaking skills or explore career paths. Ask questions at college consultation office hours or learn how to improve a college admissions essay. Finish off the month with a regular mindfulness workshop to discover breathing techniques and build necessary skills. Classes are taught by veteran instructors dedicated to providing an individualized experience so that every high school student can realize and reach their post-secondary goals. Workshops open to students in grades 9–12 who live or attend school in San Francisco.
San Francisco Public Library - Youth Volunteers
If you are a youth (under age 18, or 18 and still in high school) interested in volunteering at a particular SF Public Library location, please call or go to that location to set up a time to discuss any available opportunities with a librarian. If the library has an open opportunity to offer you, the librarian will create a schedule with you and ask you to complete the following:
Youth interest form with your contact information, skills, and interests
Uploading proof that you have been vaccinated against Covid-19
Youth volunteer agreement that your parent or guardian must sign, agreeing to your volunteer service and schedule
SFUSD’S FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS PAGE
Tons of resources about financial aid for San Francisco students, including direct links to scholarship opportunities, videos about financial aid, timelines, worksheets, and lots more.
SFUSD’s Queer and Trans Advisory Council
The Queer and Trans Advisory Council (QTAC) consists of LGBTQ+ middle and high school student leaders from across SFUSD. QTAC advises and informs how SFSUD, community-based organizations, and policymakers ensure that their services, curriculum, and procedures meet the needs of SFUSD LGBTQ+ students.
QTAC member duties include:
Advising SFUSD LGBTQ Student Services
Attending regular meetings
Outreaching to LGBTQ+ and allied students
Learning more about district and city services
All SFUSD middle & high school students interested in advocating for the needs of LGBTQ+ students in SFUSD and to community stakeholders are welcome to apply for QTAC! The next meetings will take place on January 31, 2024, and May 1st, 2024 from 5:00-6:30pm. The location of the meeting will only be shared with students who register in advance.
San Francisco Youth Commission’s Monday Fundays
Join the San Francisco Youth Commission at their monthly Monday Fundays! These community building events are for Youth Commissioners, youth at large, and community members to discuss important topics with each other.
Monday Fundays will take place at San Francisco City Hall in Room 345 on the first Monday of every month from 3:30pm to 5pm, before the first Full Youth Commission meeting of each month. Light refreshments provided!
If you have questions about Monday Fundays, please send an email to youthcom@sfgov.org.
Scientific Minds of America - Become a Tutor
Scientific Minds of America is a registered non profit with a mission to provide free online tutoring sessions to students K-8 from volunteer high school tutors nationwide.
SMOA is currently recruiting students in grade 8 and up to be online tutors. Tutors select their own subjects, schedule, and grade preferences, and offer tutoring for 1-2 hours each week. Tutors are provided lesson plans, and are supervised by SMOA staff. Tutors receive certified service hours, and are eligible to earn the Presidential Volunteer Service award– a national distinction, and a great resume builder!