Encampment for Citizenship
A residential summer civic-leadership program for ages 15-18 that brings students together to explore social justice issues through youth-led workshops, meetings with community members such as farmworkers and Indigenous groups, and year-round leadership development in facilitation and activism.
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Marin County Youth Commission (MCYC)
Founded in 1969, one of the oldest youth commissions in the U.S.; 25 youth members aged 12-23 advocate for young people's interests before the Marin County Board of Supervisors, working in subcommittees on issues like immigrant justice, mental health, and racial equity, and drafting public policy proposals.
San Mateo County Youth Commission
Up to 25 members ages 13-21 who reside in San Mateo County serve as advisors to the Board of Supervisors, working through subcommittees on civic engagement, educational equity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness; recruitment occurs annually from April to June.
Berkeley Youth Commission
An 18-member city commission (nine appointed by the Berkeley School Board, one by each City Council member) requiring at least half of its members to be middle or high school students; commissioners review and recommend youth services and programs and meet monthly at the MLK Jr. Youth Center.
California Department of Education Superintendent's Youth Advisory Council
A statewide council through which California public high school students (grades 9-12) advise the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and CDE staff on education policy affecting students, families, and schools; selected members receive a $500 stipend upon successful completion of the roughly four-month program.
IGNITE National – High School Chapters
IGNITE is a nonpartisan nonprofit, founded via a 2010 Bay Area pilot, that builds young women's political ambition through student-led High School Chapters and Clubs where members learn to run voter registration drives, advocate on bills, and consider running for office. Chapters are hosted at school sites and must re-enroll with IGNITE annually.
MyImpact Challenge (Bill of Rights Institute)
A national civic engagement contest for students ages 13-19 who are engaged in community service, volunteerism, or entrepreneurship; entrants submit their project through an online portal for a chance at a grand prize of up to $10,000. The 2026 submission deadline is May 3.