Opportunities for Youth Ages 14-24

Eligible ages: 10-18. Winter is the perfect time to curl up with a good book, sip a matcha latte or hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows, and spend time with friends. Even better, it’s time for T(w)een Winter Read, the San Francisco Public Library’s winter activity made just for tweens and teens. To join the fun, you can sign up at any SFPL location to get a free book and an activity log. Then read, listen, craft, or go to Library programs for a total of 10 hours while keeping track on your log. When you finish, turn in your log at any Library branch to get a craft kit or another free book, plus a chance to win a prize you’ll love. The T(w)een Winter Read runs from December 1, 2025 to January 10, 2026, and you can start anytime!

Eligible ages: 13-18. Students will learn how to use art, outreach, and marketing to bring people together and share community stories. They will also build confidence and practice being strong youth leaders. Classes will take place at the Geneva Powerhouse at 2301 San Jose Avenue, San Francisco, from February 3 to May 30, 2026, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Students who attend at least 13 out of the 15 classes will receive a $200 stipend when they finish the course. Registration closes on December 19, 2025.

Eligible grades: 9th. SEO Scholars is a free eight year academic program that helps low-income youth get to and through a four-year college. Applications are due by December 31, 2025.

Eligible grades: 9th, 10th or 11th graders in the 2025-26 school year. Exploring Leadership is a summer program that helps high school students learn how to be leaders in their communities. Using Coro’s training activities, Youth Fellows practice critical thinking, setting goals, and working with others to make a positive difference where they live. Each participant receives a $250 stipend upon completing the program. The priority application deadline is December 12, 2025, and the final application deadline is January 9, 2026.

Eligible ages: 14 to 18. This spring, Mission Bit will offer two free online coding classes: Intro to Game Design, and Intro to Python. The classes will take place from February 9 to May 8, 2026. Applications are due by January 11, 2026.

Eligible ages: 14-17. Next Gen is now accepting applications for Spring 2026. In this program, you will learn how to tell your own story through video and animation in a fun and supportive space. Next Gen is an in-person, semester-long program in San Francisco. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30 PM, and the semester runs from January 20 to April 30. Students who finish their project and meet the attendance requirements will earn a $300 stipend. The program ends with a special screening of your final project and includes career workshops and other great opportunities. Applications are due by January 13, 2025.

Eligible ages: 14-19. Registration is open for Youth Art Exchange’s (YAX) free after-school art classes for San Francisco public high school students. Students can take hands-on classes in animation, architecture, music production, mural arts, fashion design, darkroom photography and more at YAX studios located at 1950 Mission St and 2330 San Jose Ave. Orientation is on February 4, 2026 and the first day of classes is February 9, 2026. No experience is required. Registration must be completed by the last week of January 2026.

Eligible ages: All. The SAT Exam will be administered at Lowell High School in San Francisco on the following dates: March 14, 2026, May 2, 2026, and June 6, 2026.

Get zero-cost services from our job centers designed for youth and young adults who are between the ages 16 to 24.

Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for financial aid for college, career school, or graduate school. For most California financial aid programs, your application must be submitted no later than March 2, 2026.

Eligible ages: 17-24. New Door Ventures helps young people in San Francisco get on the path to good jobs and financial stability. In their six-month program, 15–20 youth join as a group of interns. They learn job skills, work together, and support each other during their internships. Applications are accepted all year.

Eligible ages: 18-24. Dev/Mission's Pre-Apprenticeshipprogram helps young adults by giving them computers, teaching them how to code, and showing them important skills they need for tech jobs. It connects young people from underserved communities with apprenticeships, internships, and other job opportunities. Each person also gets a tech mentor for six months who gives advice and helps them learn how to succeed in the tech world. All classes take place in-person from February 9 to May 1, 2026. There is no fee to participate in the program. Applications are due by the end of January 2026.

Eligible grades: college undergraduates. Breakthrough Summerbridge is looking for college students who want to make a difference this summer. Teaching Fellows lead classrooms, get hands-on training, and work with coaches and staff for support. Our Fellows come from many backgrounds and bring unique life stories. Most are people of color, and many are the first in their families to go to college. At Breakthrough, you’ll help build a fun and caring community with field trips, talent shows, and special traditions while learning skills that will help you in any career. Applications are due by February 26, 2026.

Eligible ages: 18-24. Are you in school, working, or somewhere in between? You may be eligible for cash, food, and health care benefit programs to make ends meet. Applications for benefits programs are always open.

If you graduated from a San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) or SFUSD affiliated charter school in the Class of 2025, 2024, or 2023, then you have at least $50 in your K2C account, plus any contributions or incentives to continue your education after high school! There is no deadline to claim your money.

Get trained and qualified for a DMV Class B Permit to begin a career in transportation with the CityDrive program. Services are offered at no cost, including free access to services and job referrals.

OEWD's Hospitality Initiative prepares you for a career in hospitality at no cost. Open to both beginners and experienced hospitality workers.

CityBuild provides industry-recognized training for construction and construction administration to San Francisco residents.

OEWD's TechSF program prepares you for a career in technology by offering training programs at no cost to participants.

We work to strengthen the economic security and mobility of all San Franciscans.