UC Davis Vet Med Exploration Academy (VMEA)
A three-day fall academy at UC Davis's School of Veterinary Medicine, run in partnership with the Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) and Breakthrough Sacramento, that gives local underrepresented high school students a first-hand look at veterinary medical education through lectures, clinical-skills labs, facility tours, and Center for Equine Health visits.
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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.
UC Davis Pre-College Program: Equine Science
A two-week residential pre-college program at UC Davis where high schoolers study equine physiology, behavior, nutrition, disease, and reproduction through lectures and hands-on labs at the Animal Science Horse Barn and Center for Equine Health. Students live in dorms, take college-style classes taught by UC Davis faculty, and observe veterinarians working with horses.
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.
Great California ShakeOut
An annual statewide earthquake preparedness drill in which students, schools, and organizations across California practice the 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On' technique at a scheduled time each October (or a self-chosen date). Participants can register individually or through their school and access drill scripts, safety videos, and educational materials.
Naturalists in Training (Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History)
A teen volunteer program at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, near Monterey Bay, for students entering grades 9-12. Trainees attend workshops on natural history and coastal ecology, then serve volunteer shifts helping the public and leading nature activities, earning community service hours or a stipend.
ProStart
A two-year, industry-backed culinary arts and restaurant management career pathway for high schoolers, offered through participating high schools nationwide (including California) via the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Combines classroom instruction and industry mentorship with the annual National ProStart Invitational competition.