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Putting Children First

Academic Enrichment Resources

Volunteer Programs

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Volunteer Programs

Middle School

  • AMIGOS 

    • Offers summer immersion programs in Costa Rica, Panama, and Ecuador where you can explore different issues in coffee production, climate change adaptation, conservation, ecosystem restoration, and indigenous rights

    • This is an integrated experience and you will be living with a host family

    • Program age requirement: 13 -19 years old 

    • Summer program costs vary by location and program duration

    • Financial assistance is also available

Libraries 

  • Castro Valley Public Library  

    • Several volunteer positions (all available to high school teens) 

      • Computer Crew: Teen Tech Helpers are tech-savvy and are responsible for assisting library members with basic tech support

      • Homework Center Volunteers help elementary to high school students with assignments in various subjects including English, math, science, and other languages

      • Online Library Service Volunteers do a wide range of behind-the-scenes work such as participating in focus groups, sharing library community surveys, and assisting staff as projects arise. 

        • Must be 12 years and older 

      • Online Program Volunteer assists staff in preparing, piloting, and presenting online library programs. 

        • Must be 12 years and older 

      • Teen Advisory Group members advise library staff on tips to connect with the teen community and may suggest new programs, services, and book recommendations for teens.

        • Must be 12 years and older 

      • Shelving Volunteers help with the general upkeep and maintenance of the library. Activities range from cleaning up after library programs, assisting staff with projects, and organizing and displaying collections.

  • Oakland Public Library Teen Volunteer Program 

    • Educational opportunity to support social media, programming for teens, leadership, and art and design initiatives 

    • Age Requirement: 13-17 years old and 18-year-olds still in high school

    • Complete application here

High School

  •  AMIGOS 

    • Offers summer immersion programs in Costa Rica, Panama, and Ecuador where you can explore different issues in coffee production, climate change adaptation, conservation, ecosystem restoration, and indigenous rights

    • Program age requirement: 13 -19 years old 

    • Summer program costs vary by location and program duration please visit this page for details

    • Financial assistance is also available

  • Teen Wild Guides (TWG) | Oakland Zoo | Application Deadline January 14, 2023 at 5 PM $$

    • Educational opportunity to teach children about animals using biofacts and other educational resources 

    • The program is only available to high school students 

    • Volunteers must pay annual fees: $200 for non-members, $180 for zoo members 

    • Financial assistance is available please visit the webpage for more information

  • UCSF Volunteers | Different Locations Available | Check this page regarding current availability of volunteer opportunities

    • At the moment the new volunteer pool is full. 😔 Updates are posted regularly. 🤩 Please visit this page for more details

    • Volunteer assignments vary depending on openings some include greeting visitors, helping visitors with navigation, and cuddling newborns 

    • Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and able to serve one 3-4 hour shift on the same day & time each week, completing at least 100 hours over a minimum six-month period

    • Volunteer services contact information

Libraries

  • Alameda Free Library 

    • Volunteer opportunities open to sorting, shelving, assisting with directions with library staff, and providing computer instructions for projects

    • Age requirement: 16 years and older

    • Complete the PDF application or apply online here 

  • Berkeley Public Library

    • Educational opportunity to help visitors with technology, teen services, and work on virtual projects 

    • Age requirement: 14 years and older

    • Complete application here  

  • Castro Valley Public Library

    • Various volunteer positions (all available to high school teens) 

      • Computer Crew: Teen Tech Helpers who are tech-savvy, assist library members with basic tech support

      • Homework Center Volunteers help elementary to high school students with assignments in various subjects including English, math, science, and other languages

      • Online Library Service Volunteer do a wide range of behind-the-scenes work such as participating in focus groups, posting library community surveys, and assisting staff as projects arise. 

        • Must be 12 years and older 

      • Online Program Volunteer focuses on assisting staff in preparing, piloting, and presenting online library programs. 

        • Must be 12 years and older 

      • Teen Advisory Group members advise library staff on tips to connect with the teen community and may suggest new programs, services, and book recommendations for teens.

        • Must be 12 years and older 

      • Shelving Volunteers help with the general upkeep and maintenance of the library. Activities include cleaning up after library programs, assisting staff with projects, and organizing and displaying collections. 

  • Oakland Public Library Teen Volunteer Program 

    • Educational opportunity to support social media, programming for teens, leadership, and art and design initiatives 

    • Age Requirement: 13-17 years old and 18-year-olds still in high school

    • Complete application here