Community Opportunities for SMUHSD Students
Get Involved in the Climate Movement
Apply to the Bay Area Youth Climate Summit by July 2
Rising 9th, 10th, or 11th graders: Interested in getting involved in the climate movement? Join the Bay Area Youth Climate Summit!
The Bay Area Youth Climate Summit (BAYCS) is an environmental organization run by youth, for youth. From workshops to logistics to newsletter to social media, The Youth Advisory Council of BAYCS runs all the events and behind-the-scenes action. BAYCS encourages high school students especially from low-income and/or BIPOC communities to apply.
Application Deadline: July 2, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
Students: Join One Love’s Youth Leadership Program
Want to lead and make a real impact?
Join One Love’s Youth Leadership Program and be part of a national movement to end relationship abuse and build healthier communities. As a Youth Leader, you’ll host workshops, advocate for change, and raise awareness on your campus.
Open to high school and college students ready to make a difference.
Registration for the 2025–2026 school year is now open.
Read 10 Signs of a Healthy Relationship: English | Spanish
SMUHSD Board Approves Ban on Sale of Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles on all Campuses
On April 24, the SMUHSD board approved a resolution banning the sale of single-use plastic water bottles on all of its campuses. Students and Sustainability Committee Members Sydney Chen (Aragon) and Matt Lau (Aragon), spoke during the public comment period about the proposal. (View their comments from the board meeting)
SMUHSD currently sells plastic water bottles to students during school brunch/lunch periods. The sale of these plastic bottles increases plastic waste from SMUHSD campuses, which contributes to the 35 million tons of plastic the United States produces per year, with only 9% of that being recycled (United States Environmental Protection Agency).
The SMUHSD Sustainability Committee, made up of District staff and students, worked on a petition encouraging the ban and as of April 15, it had over 1,200 signatures.
The board approved the ban unanimously and the District will enact the following:
- Ban the use and sale by SMUHSD of single-use plastic water bottles starting July 1, 2025
- Direct staff to update Board Policy to include a ban on the use and sale of single-use plastic water bottles
- Staff will start working with sites and departments to implement the ban effective July 1, allowing provisions for depleting existing inventory and winding down current contractual obligations.
“Implementing this ban will significantly contribute to our sustainability goals and foster a culture of environmental responsibility within our community,” said Yancy Hawkins, SMUHSD Associate Superintendent Chief Business Officer.
Read the board memo for more information.
Learn more about sustainability efforts throughout SMUHSD: www.smuhsd.org/sustainability
Save the Date: Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action Impact Summit is August 9
High school and college students, young professionals, community stakeholders, educators, elected officials and industry leaders are invited to a day of learning, networking and discussion around innovative climate solutions and strategies. This year's summit will include action-oriented breakout sessions, panel presentations, and keynote speakers that will empower all attendees to make a difference and fight climate change. There’ll be a networking session in the afternoon.
Details
- Saturday, August 9
- 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Lunch is provided
- Campbell Heritage Theatre, 1 W. Campbell, Ave, Campbelle, CA, 95008
Visit the SVYCA website or follow SVYCA on Instagram to stay up-to-date on the summit.
Students: Design and Paint a Mural This Summer
Calling all high school students and college age young adults (ages 14–24) living in San Mateo County —come be part of a collaborative mural project that brings art and community together!
The Center of Creativity (CfC) is excited to share a summer opportunity that supports youth engagement in the arts in San Mateo County. CfC is organizing a community mural project and is seeking San Mateo County youth aged 14 - 24 to participate.
The first design workshop will be held on Sunday, June 22, 2-5 p.m. and painting begins Tuesday, July 29 through Friday, August 8.
Participants will work to design and paint a wrap-around mural inside the Eureka Gallery at the CfC in downtown Redwood City.
Space is limited - sign up today!