Summer break is the perfect time for highschool students to explore new interests, gain valuable experience, and even some extra income. Whether you’re looking to dive into a specialized field or simply explore various interests, there are plenty of opportunities available to make the most of your time. Here are some exciting options for students in the Bay Area.
Internships
For students interested in the STEM field who identify as female or other gender expansive identities and are between ages 14-17, consider SAGE. SAGE is a free one week camp (Aug 1-7) that offers a mix of job shadowing, project working, and technical talks to get an idea of what the field of STEM has to offer. (Applications open February 3, close March 15)
Additionally, if you are looking for a paid internship in STEM, iCLEM offers an exciting seven week hybrid program for students from low income families to learn about microbiology, with a stipend of $3000. (Applications open early February)
For anyone looking to unleash their creativity this summer, Mission Voices Summer (in San Francisco) is a four week long, free art program. During the program, students will work with local artists in multimedia projects, and at the end, the students’ work will be displayed in an art exhibition. (Applications close early July)
Volunteering
Looking for service hours to enhance your resume? The Oakland Zoo offers volunteer opportunities for students ages 16 and older. With a wide range of positions available you can learn about animal care, wildlife conservation, and nature while gaining valuable hands-on experience. Be sure to check out oaklandzoo.org for more information on availability on your desired position.
Another rewarding volunteer experience can be found at the Asian Art Museum, where students can assist with exhibits and learn more about the histories of Asia. Please note that the museum is located in San Francisco, so having reliable transportation would be necessary before considering joining.
Pre-College Programs
Many top universities offer pre-college programs that can provide a one-of-a kind on campus experience but at a hefty cost. With the limited financial aid available and long travel distances, these options may not be the most practical. A better alternative to gain college credits would be to take classes at any Peralta Community College or online classes at Silicon Valley– that have transferable credits to UCs and CSU – all at a much more affordable price.