For students interested in leadership:
The California Department of Rehabilitation is holding an annual week-long leadership program called the Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities (YLF). The program is for sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school. Applications are now available for the 2023 program, tentatively scheduled for July 13–19, 2023. If you have any questions regarding this subject, please get in touch with the Youth Leadership Forum by email at YLF@dor.ca.gov.

For students who want to volunteer:
The Rooted Friends Project is seeking volunteers to support a food pantry event, a Friendsgiving event, and a Hawthorne Toy Giveaway. For more details and to sign up, please visit their volunteer webpage.

For students interested in the tech industry:
Brothers Code 2022 is an event hosted by the Hidden Genius Project meant to introduce youth and adults of color to the tech industry as part of National Computer Science Education Week. Participants will practice coding, programming skills, explore career opportunities in the tech sector, network, and find ways to leverage technology to strengthen their communities and reach their goals. This event will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022, from 8 am – 2 pm. The location is to be determined. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Register here.

Applications are now open for the 2023 Hidden Genius Project Intensive Immersion Program. High school students (Hidden Geniuses) participate in 15 months of intensive technical and entrepreneurial training through two 7-week summer sessions and one year of after-school programming. The Deadline to apply is February 19, 2023. Geniuses:

– Create innovative solutions to community challenges and problems
– Hone leadership and entrepreneurial skills and pitch business ideas
– Design their own websites, software, and other technical projects
– Establish healthy relationships and build trust with peers and mentors

Program Eligibility

– Black males of African descent
– Rising 9th – 11th graders
– No programming skills required