San Jose Fire Explorers Post 888
A Learning for Life Explorer post run by the San Jose Fire Department that trains young people in firefighting techniques, emergency response, and leadership through classroom instruction and hands-on drills, while participants earn community service hours and direct exposure to a fire service career.
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BSA Learning for Life Fire & EMS Career Exploring
A national Learning for Life career-exploration program placing youth from 6th grade through age 20 into local 'Exploring' posts hosted by fire departments and EMS agencies, combining classroom training with hands-on practice in firefighting, EMT/paramedic skills, and search and rescue. Local posts operate throughout Northern California, findable via the national Council Locator.
Robbin Mackbee Firefighter/EMS Youth Academy
A nine-month youth academy in Vallejo run in partnership with the Vallejo Fire Department, Vallejo Unified School District, and Medic Ambulance, offering mentorship, CPR/First Aid/disaster-medicine training, and structured career exploration for youth interested in firefighting or EMS careers.
Ross Valley Fire Explorer Post
A Boy Scouts of America Explorer post run by the Ross Valley Fire Department in Marin County, giving teens hands-on exposure to firefighting: hose and ladder drills, rope rescue, wildland fire training, vehicle extrication, and ride-alongs on engine company emergency calls. Explorers attend weekly Sunday drills and an intensive April academy.
Woodland Fire Explorer Post 911
A Boy Scouts of America-affiliated Explorer post hosted by the Woodland (CA) Fire Department near Sacramento, teaching high-school-aged youth all aspects of the fire service through hands-on training, mentorship from active firefighters, and community service projects. Meets three times a month at Woodland Fire Station 3.
Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program (California Wing)
Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force; its Cadet Program lets youth ages 12-18 train in aerospace education, leadership, and emergency services, including orientation flights in CAP aircraft. California Wing operates dozens of local squadrons across Northern California offering weekly meetings, encampments, and flight training opportunities.
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).