Helps teens develop the life skills necessary to transition into young adulthood successfully and responsibly through a Jewish values-based lens. Programs operate in four regions—Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Palo Alto—providing peer cohorts where teens learn and grow together.

Core programs include:

Impact Year Leadership Program: Teens develop leadership skills while meeting local community needs. With support from YouthFirst staff, leaders collaboratively create and execute service and advocacy projects for their local communities.

Peer Mental Health Advocates: Teens promote the importance of maintaining mental health, building a culture of support and care, and advocating for legislative change related to mental health awareness and resources.

Summer Internship Program: Six-week paid summer internships are available to qualified students entering grades 10, 11 and 12. This program offers valuable on-the-job skills, paid work experience, professional development, and connections with other Bay Area teens. Additional opportunities include Jewish service-learning experiences, volunteer events, and career exploration workshops. All programs are designed to help young people develop the confidence and capabilities to transition successfully into adulthood while maintaining connection to Jewish values.