YouthFirst

YouthFirst is a program for teens. It includes Jewish service-learning, leadership skills development, peer mental health training, internships, and career exploration. It also includes the Impact Year Fellowship Program, Middle School Mitzvah Corps, Peer Mental Health Advocates, and the Shmunis Internship Program.

Programs

• YouthFirst — Teens
• Impact Year Fellowship Program — Teens · Fellows collaboratively create and execute service and advocacy projects for their local communities.
• Middle School Mitzvah Corps (MSMC) — Middle schoolers · Six-week experience · Rooted in Torah, Avodah, and G’milut Chasedim; helps middle schoolers discover their authentic Jewish voice while helping others in the community.
• Peer Mental Health Advocates — Teens · Teens promote the importance of maintaining mental health, building a culture of support and care, and advocating for change in legislation.
• Shmunis Internship Program — Entering grades 10, 11, and 12 in the fall · Six-week paid summer internships · Paid summer internships to qualified students; participants gain on-the-job skills, paid work experience, and meet other Bay Area teens.

At a glance

• Ages: 10–18 years old
• General schedule: In each of four regions—Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Palo Alto—the program provides teens with a cohort of peers to learn and grow together. Join upcoming volunteer events.

About the provider

JFCS’ YouthFirst Department helps teens move into young adulthood through a Jewish values-based lens. YouthFirst staff support fellows in creating and executing service and advocacy projects, and the department hosts volunteer events. The program serves teens in four regions and provides a cohort of peers to learn and grow together.

• Summer 2027 applications — Applications for Summer 2027 will open in January 2027.

YouthFirst serves teens in four regions: Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Palo Alto. The Shmunis Internship Program offers six-week paid summer internships to qualified students entering grade 10, 11, and 12 in the fall. Middle School Mitzvah Corps is a six-week experience.

Last updated August 19, 2026.