Youth Leadership Programs for Middle and High School Students

A group of Crissy Field Center youth leadership program members at the docks of Alcatraz Island.
LINC program participants on Alcatraz Island.

Darryl Burton II / Parks Conservancy

Status: Ongoing
Crissy Field Center

The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, in partnership with the National Park Service and the Presidio Trust, hosts a number of youth leadership programs from middle school age through college.

These programs are supported by the Ryan Jones Program Fund, the Brian O'Neill Youth Leaders Fund, the Madeleine Tang Endowment Fund, and members of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

Eligibility and application processes vary. Click on the links below for more information, or learn about our youth and family volunteer opportunities.

Youth Programs
Crissy Field Center
A large group of cheerful teenagers excitingly cheer at Rob Hill Campground in the Presidio of San Francisco
Urban Trailblazers

Middle school leadership summer program for youth attending San Francisco public schools.

Group photo of Crissy Field Center youths at the Muir Beach Overlook
LINC Summer High School Program

Linking Individuals to their Natural Community (LINC) is a summer program for high school students focused on service learning and conservation in local communities and parklands. 

Group of youth backpacking along a trail.
Queer Belonging Backpacking Adventure

Queer Belonging Backpacking Adventure is an outdoor adventure for high school students centering queer/trans youth of color and allies to nature.

Crissy Field Center IYEL youth program participants pose for group photo in Santa Cruz
I-YEL: Inspiring Young Emerging Leaders

High school leadership program for youth attending San Francisco and Marin public schools. Takes place during the school year, October-May.

A group of Adventure Guides gather for a photo at the Presidio Tunnel Tops in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Adventure Guides

A 6-month internship that welcomes communities to the Presidio Tunnel Tops and an opportunity to gain valuable workforce experience. This paid internship helps connect communities to fun adventures hidden in the park.

AIP 2023 End of Program Celebration
Academic Internship Program

 Join a diverse team of college students to gain work and leadership skills in your local national park! Open to students currently enrolled at CCSF, College of Marin, & SFSU.

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