Birch Aquarium at Scripps Volunteer Program
Teens 16+ volunteer as Tide Pool Interpreters/Greeters, later advancing to Aquarist Assistant or School Programs roles, supporting marine-science education and animal care.
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BUILD.org – BUILDFest LA Youth Pitch Competition
Students in BUILD's entrepreneurship pathway (FamBiz simulation, Design Challenge) launch real companies and pitch Shark-Tank-style before VIP judges; serves under-resourced Bay Area/LA students.
LA Conservation Corps — Clean & Green
Paid crew-based program where LA teens do community beautification: tree/garden maintenance, graffiti removal, and recycling collection, building job and environmental-stewardship skills.
Los Angeles Urban League Biz Institute & Biz Camp
Free program combining Saturday classes and a summer intensive covering business fundamentals and internal pitch competitions; top students advance to NFTE's national challenge.
Sierra Club Inspiring Connections Outdoors — Teen Peak Challenge
Urban teens take part in outdoor outings (hiking, backpacking, kayaking) designed to build environmental stewardship and self-reliance, culminating in a multi-day peak-climb challenge.
Teen Conservation Leaders
Service-learning program where teens train in marine biology/conservation topics, then rotate through guest engagement, animal care support, or engineering tracks as summer volunteers at the Aquarium.
Cal Day at the Archaeological Research Facility (UC Berkeley)
An annual free open-house event where UC Berkeley's Archaeological Research Facility hosts lectures, panel discussions, lab tours, and hands-on activities (ceramic reconstruction, rock art painting, paleoethnobotany, career talks) for prospective students, families, and the community.