Welcome to the resource space for San Francisco youth ages 13 to 18! Hit the SUGGEST button if you have an idea to add, an event to promote, or a story to share.
Youth Groups
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There are nine YMCAs in the City. All have programs for teens, such as youth government, teen travel camps, lifeguard and babysitting classes, college prep classes and tours, and Friday fitness nights. Check out Stownstown new Teen Center opened fall 2008. Richmond branch started a new teen workout program too.
• Boys and Girls Clubs have nine clubhouses throughout the City offering sports and fitness, mentoring and tutoring, as well as some that have special Teens Only club time.
• SF Beacon Centers are spread around the City in eight locations. Each one offers different services and events.
Places to Hang
• San Francisco Public Library Teen Center has free classes, tutoring, research skills study, and events.
• Club 18 a social club for middle- and high-school kids with activities during afterschool hours (middle school only) and weekends. They provide a safe and nurturing place for kids to engage in academic enrichment programs, special interest classes, and lots of fun activities. Middle schoolers can drop in Monday through Thursday 2pm–6pm and Fridays 2pm–4pm for fun activities, such as arts and crafts, community service events, movies, pool table, foosball, air hockey, dj equipment, and internet access(during the school year). They offer homework help, art, math, and writing workshops. High schoolers can come in for Monday Night Football, weekends, and Thursday evenings. They also organize middle- and high-school dances.
Classes and Camps
• SFkids listing of classes, camps, and sports and fitness can be found here.
• 826 Valencia offers free creative writing classes.
Health
• Youth Health Rights & Reponsibilities from Adolescent Health Working Group.
• Sex, etc. has forums, terminology, advice, clinics for testing, and chats by teens for teens.
• Teen support to stop smoking in English and Spanish
• Check out Teens' Nutritional Needs.
• Teen Eating Disorders Require Medical Attention, from the US Food and Drug Administration.
Internships and Jobs
• SFkids Youth Training and Employment page is geared toward helping youth discover training options for summer and year-round employment.
• Youth resume guidelines
Money
American teenagers spend almost $200 billion a year. The FDIC, which insures bank deposits, has put together a free publication to help teens get smart about money. For example, if you don't know what APR means, your $500 stereo could end up costing $900 if you charge it and only pay the minimum each month. Get Teens and Money for free.
Driving
• California Teens is geared towards information on getting your permit, license and rules pertaining to teens
• Parent Teen Training Guide 2008, privided by the CA. DMV
• Teen Driving offers hundreds of safe driving and defensive driving tips, from buying a used car or a new car to driving in traffic, driving around school--even tips on parallel parking, buying auto insurance and picking an online driving course including California Drivers Ed online. They offer discounts for online driving programs too.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers a three-tiered strategy to prevent motor-vehicle-related teen deaths and injuries: increasing seat belt use, implementing graduated driver licensing, and reducing teens' access to alcohol.
• Jim Russell Drivers School at Infineon Raceway is designed for teens and other drivers to build thier confidence. Skid control, braking techniques, emergencies, etc.
• American Automoblie Association - Teen Driving Articles
• SF Parents Guide to Driver’s Education – Yikes!
Driving Safety Tips
• For 58% of the teens out there, crashes happen within 12 months of learning to drive.
• If your teen driver is taking any medication, make sure there isn't a warning on the label about not driving while taking medication!
• Remind your teen about the dangers of drinking and driving, even if they are just getting a ride.
I Need Help!
• Youthworks.org offers a list of crisis lines, hotline, youth shelters, employment, immigration and legal services for youth.
• CHALK Youthline: Call (415) 202-7944 to talk to other San Francisco teens on the telephone, or visit them online at youthline.org.
• Huckleberry Youth Programs offers 24-hour crisis shelter for youth, crisis hotline, family counseling, referral to medical care, and case management.
• GLBT National Help Center offers a toll-free number—(800) 246-PRIDE—for queer or questioning youth.
• Youth Alive! is a non-profit public health agency dedicated to preventing youth violence and creating leaders.
• Adolescent Treatment Centers can get you the help you need.
• Larkin Street Youth Services is the only organization providing the full spectrum of services needed to help San Francisco’s most vulnerable youth move beyond life on the street.
• Youth Health Services/Referrals list services from the Adolescent Health Working Group, (415) 576-1170. The list includes: teen health clinics, wellness centers, teen hotlines, HIV, and Planned Parenthood information.
• La Casa de las Madres is a refuge for teen girls suffering from abuse or violence. Call (877) 923-0700 for immediate help 24 hours a day.
• Josie's Place for Bereaved Youth and Families offers counseling and support for teens and families experiencing loss.
• KidsHealth.org offers support for kids who are being bullied.
Telephone Resources
• California Child Care Healthline (800) 333-3212
• California Youth Line (800) 843-5200
• Homeward Bound (415) 533-3475
• Huckleberry House (415) 621-2929
• Oasis Self-Help (415) 574-1400
• Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center (LYRIC) (415) 863-3636
• SFUSD Safe School Line (415) 241-2141
• Streetcats Foundation for Youth (510) 464-4677
• Teen-Anon 12-Step Youth Recovery (510) 464-4677
•Youthline Teen-to-Teen Help (888) 977-3399
School Stuff
• High School Exit Exam
• Several classes are offered to high school students in the summer at City College including driver ed, academics, and a free CA High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) preparation class for those who have not passed the test their senior year.
• Studying for Tests offers tips on how to study and time management from Kids Health
• SFkids Tutoring and Support page offers resources for getting extra help. Some are FREE!
• Do you play sports in SFUSD? Find the local sport schedules and standings.
• SFUSD individual school library information is now available online. Find a book at your school.
• City College offers programs including GED, academic classes, and concurrent enrollment information.
• SFkids Beyond High School page offers financial, college support planning, and college admission testing information.
Quick Category Searches for Teens
• Search Activities (Active Fun, Classes, Entertainment, Celebrations, Sports and Fitness)
• Search Adventures (City Sights, Museums, Out of the City, and Parks)
• Search Community (Neighborhood and Community Organizations)
• Search Family Finds (Stores and Restaurants)
• Search Out of School Time (Camps)
• Search Parent Resources (Parenting Classes, Resources, etc.)
Youth Job Listings
• San Francisco Youth Commission offers a list of youth employment opportunities in San Francisco.
• National Youth Employment
• Youthline offers an online database, or you can call and talk to a peer from noon–10pm.
Youth Employment Help
• Youth resume guidelines
• SF Unified School District School-to-Career Office has online forms for applications, student work permits, and more.
• Job Shadowing
• California Law, Education, and Labor Code
• California Department of Industrial Relations
• U.S. Department of Labor
• Employment Development Department (EDD) Job Service Guidelines
• California Department of Education
Community Service
• Youth Service America is dedicated to building a global culture of engaged youth who are committed to a lifetime of service, learning, leadership, and achievement.