Special Olympics Northern California Unified Champion Schools (Schools Partnership Program)
A school-based inclusion initiative of Special Olympics Northern California that embeds students with and without intellectual disabilities together through Unified Sports teams, Inclusive Youth Leadership councils, and whole-school engagement activities. Distinct from general athlete volunteering, it trains student leaders to reduce bullying and build inclusive school climates.
You might also like
Best Buddies High School Friendship Program (California)
A national program with active California high school chapters that pairs students with and without intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) in one-to-one friendships. Buddy pairs commit to weekly contact and at least two in-person hangouts per month, alongside chapter-wide inclusive social events.
Fresno County Health Youth Corps
A two-semester public health leadership program launched by UCSF Fresno, Fresno County Public Health, and the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools that trains historically marginalized high schoolers to become community health champions, culminating in a community health initiative and annual showcase.
SLEWS Program (Center for Land-Based Learning)
The Student and Landowner Education and Watershed Stewardship (SLEWS) program engages cohorts of about 30 high school students in hands-on habitat restoration on working farms, ranches, and open spaces across Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Butte counties. Over three to five field days per cohort, students plant native vegetation, build irrigation systems, conduct ecological studies, and hear from natural-resource professionals about careers in agriculture and conservation.
Adventist Health Central Valley Healthcare Pathway Program
A selective 4-week healthcare exposure program run by Adventist Health Central Valley in which a physician personally selects two small cohorts of high school students for hands-on exploration of healthcare careers and clinical environments.
California Student Mock Election
The California Student Mock Election, run by the Secretary of State's office, lets middle and high school students cast ballots in a statewide mock vote timed alongside real general elections, giving students hands-on experience with the voting process before they are eligible to vote.
Climate Corps Leadership Institute (Watsonville Wetlands Watch)
A year-long paid internship for Watsonville high school students that builds climate action leadership through hands-on watershed and wetland work. Interns gain experience in urban forestry, habitat restoration, community science monitoring, and climate justice advocacy in the Pajaro Valley, presented in partnership with local schools.