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Community Opportunities for SMUHSD Students

November 20: Youth Leaders Rising - In-Person Youth Leadership Training

For middle and high school youth leaders passionate about advocating for and supporting undocumented and mixed-status folks. This session will cover:

  • Know Your Rights!

  • Youth Participatory Action Research

  • Youth-Led Policy Development

  • Peer-to-Peer Allyship

 

Details:

  • Thursday, November 20, 2 - 4 p.m.
  • San Mateo County Office of Education, 101 Twin Dolphin Drive, Redwood City, CA 94065
  • Transportation Costs and Refreshments Provided!
  • Registration Required: bit.ly/48NMSrT
  • Please register individually, even if attending as a team.
  • Questions? Contact: Rubie Macaraeg, rmacaraeg@smcoe.org

 

View the flyer

The 2026 Scholastic Awards Are Now Open for Submissions

The Scholastic Awards are the nation’s longest running, and one of the most prestigious recognition programs for creative teenagers across America and a significant source of scholarships for young artists and writers. The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization manages the growing program.  

One of the benefits of entering the Scholastic Awards is the opportunity to have your work considered for national scholarships ranging from $500 to $12,500.

Visit the What You Need to Know page to find out everything you need to participate, including the Awards AI Policy, category changes, new category updates, and portal updates. 

Teens and educators can visit artandwriting.org now to log in or create an account in the portal. 

Deadlines

Apply Now for Creative Youth Awards

The Creative Youth Awards (CYA) is an annual program founded by the Bay Area Creative Foundation to celebrate, cultivate, and inspire creativity in youth and young adults.

The Awards are an opportunity for San Francisco Bay Area high school students to submit original artworks and performances across a range of creative disciplines, including visual art, film, music, dance, photography, and writing.

Submissions are open from October 15 - December 10, 2025. 

Learn more and apply: https://www.creativeyouthawards.org/creative-youth-awards

 

March 21, 2026: Spring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workshop

Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) at Skyline College is excited to host a Spring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workshop for girls in grades 6 through 12.

Join on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Skyline College for a day of discovery, featuring engaging hands-on activities led by researchers, scientists, engineers, and other STEM professionals from the community. 

Registration is free and open from January 15 through March 1, 2026. Space is limited, so be sure to register early to secure your spot! Students will have the opportunity to select from a variety of workshops, choosing three of their preferred sessions. A morning snack and lunch will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own food if they have specific dietary needs, restrictions, or food allergies. 

Please note: Parents and/or teachers are not required to chaperone the students during the event. If they do attend, however, they will not be permitted in the workshop spaces. 

Visit https://skylinecollege.edu/eyh/ for workshop details or reach out should you have any other follow-up questions.

San Mateo County Poetry Out Loud Registration Now Open

Poetry Out Loud (POL) gives high school students the confidence to make themselves heard, using one of the most powerful tools at their disposal—poetry. It encourages teens to learn about poetry through memorization, performance, and competition.

Educators, youth organization leaders, and high school students are invited to be part of San Mateo County’s Poetry Out Loud 2026 Program. Teens build public speaking skills and self-confidence, while learning about literary history and contemporary life through poetry with the help of a coach.

School/organizational champions will be mentored by local Poet Laureates and poetry teachers preparing them to effectively compete at the county, state and national levels if selected.

Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program in partnership with the NEA, the Poetry Foundation, and each state’s arts agency. Important dates:

  • September 1 - December 12, 2025: Registration window is open
  • January 2026: Mentoring sessions for teens via Zoom
  • February 2026: San Mateo County Finals
  • March 15 - 16, 2026: State Finals Competition in-person in Sacramento
  • May 2025: National Finals in-person in Washington, DC

Learn more and register.