Learn how Academy Youth Programs engage teens in STEM and environmental learning across the Bay Area and beyond.
SAC Newsroom
![Youth looking at clipboard](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/images/Education_Images/YP_Images/clipboard_presidios15kimiajoann_sac_cc_copy.jpg?itok=gHoDDK5j&c=3c7a4141954d523f8c7079ba8962c09f)
View press coverage and peruse the latest articles and blog posts profiling SAC.
Using Scientific Data to Protect the Coast
![Students explore nature and engage with citizen science during an outdoor bioblitz.](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/images/Education_Images/YP_Images/cis_2019-2020_mole_crab_data_collection3-small.jpg?itok=RNrjPXKp&c=072502a9155811739f5d0ec8e0c64b00)
Academy interns analyze coastal marine data to support plans for a large-scale beach nourishment project.
Finding My Voice in 2020
![KQED](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/screenshot_29.png?itok=XIBCphXH&c=3927e2b533952113d269db293baf0c0c)
Academy youth speak up about racism and environmental justice through the KQED Youth Media Challenge.
Lead With Confidence
![What do Birds Eat?](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/cas-case-study-solution-1200.jpg?itok=qf3Oxv27&c=306939ecbceb74cc56e0b1c8c0fc0494)
SAC partnered with e-learning firm Kineo to create online trainings that prepare and empower educators.
Connected Science Learning
![sac_woman_using_loupe_alt_bugs_201609.jpg](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/images/Education_Images/YP_Images/sac_woman_using_loupe_alt_bugs_201609.jpg?itok=vb1lHlB3&c=9073e781b782604a6abf9408d4e36de3)
SAC builds cross-sector collaborations that expand youth access to high quality STEM education.
In the News
Libraries and Zoo Celebrate Summer with SAC
![librarians using Bug Safari from SAC](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/woodlandzoo_elyenewsroom.jpg?itok=CE5mBr70&c=74ec1d1940cb4a46a8cd0d16868a4cf3)
Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle Public Library celebrate summer learning with citywide Bug Safaris.
SAC and GLOBE Partner to Support Educators
![Adults use SACs Cloud Quest tools to determine sky conditions via color.](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/cloudquest_for_globe_newsroom.jpg?itok=H5yGEo2U&c=1fe1f40082453a31064db7fd15df480c)
Youth in SAC survey the sky in partnership with GLOBE.
We Want You!: The Targeted Recruitment of Youth
![CiS at AGU](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/uploads/images/cis-agu-2015-1350x900.jpg?itok=ovYCSjR3&c=9b1048fac94551b2009d7719675cc7b0)
Learn how to reach, engage, and connect with young people for your programs.
Community Collaborations for STEM Learning
![Bitterroot Valley image](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/bitterroot_valley_story_pic.jpg?itok=t4adcZ-n&c=bb7286978407965a4e51d3193d0e9620)
Montana students collect and study arthropods using bug nets, beating sheets, pooters, and Petri dishes.
Young Scientists Bring the Data at AGU
![AGU Poster](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/agu.png?itok=qG17StVS&c=c417e56e8cd7aed777dc01e7ee821ee4)
Academy interns present their original research on marine heat waves at the Fall 2020 AGU conference.
Afterschool Alliance: Successful STEM Programs
![SAC educators in training](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/afterschool_alliance_story_pic.jpg?itok=qoU3n72p&c=7c82169bc6035e273d9e11e4f54f89e9)
See what makes SAC an innovative and influential learning experience.
Building Youth STEM Identities
![Alaska Network youth](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/sac_alaska_article.jpeg?itok=DeooA-oH&c=ad0460300fa18c153283550a4985ec90)
Youth in Alaska learn to think and act like scientists by participating in SAC hands-on investigations.
Youth in Alaska learn to think and act like scientists by participating in SAC hands-on investigations.
The Impact of Afterschool STEM
![sac youth using binocilars](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/uploads/images/1200x900-everett-observing-cropped.jpg?itok=0z7FTPKg&c=6a940d4304d70ee6a8716dc5fa0f1f5f)
STEM programs like SAC spark curiosity, build STEM skills, and foster lifelong learning.
Teens Ignite Passion for Science and Nature
![tasc at basf](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/tasc_bayareasciencefest2_2448x2448.jpg?itok=sFsIF2kX&c=13bc35e76efb7fb86814cef0e7245fb3)
Academy youth design interactive programs for museum visitors, and develop critical social skills.
Citizen Science Toolkit
![Citizen ScienceToolkit](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/uploads/images/citsci-banners5-1600x900.jpg?itok=1BSq77Pr&c=cb04932247a94e3fb51a332e0b7a0c85)
Find tools and structured opportunities to integrate citizen science into your classroom.
Powered by the People: A Citizen Science Sampler
![sand crabbing limpets interns](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/images/Education_Images/YP_Images/cis_limpets_internsobserving.jpg?itok=KCbJhjW2&c=f1091d36f5f2727ddf0ab6fccea5fa93)
Learn more about the Academy's Careers in Science program's contributions to authentic science projects.
Underestimating After-School STEM Is for the Birds
![birders](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/images/Education_Images/YP_Images/localbirdss16-5_sac_cc.jpg?itok=ESvGswUG&c=2ad2160b2c931e71b3a20b19018c98b0)
Informal intros to new ideas can open doors for participation in citizen science long after a program ends.
SXSWedu: Reflection on Citizen Science in Education
![Educators reflecting](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/images/Education_Images/YP_Images/sac_localbirdss16-6_sac_cc.jpg?itok=Phj_TtQV&c=7c4263609e429772652c7b40430f0cfe)
Educators at SXSWedu reflect on the value and future of citizen science in education.
Young scientists attend San Jose gathering with Ph.Ds
![Young scientists attend San Jose gathering with Ph.Ds](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/screenshot_27.png?itok=S0WUbSKY&c=df9d88e7a2c7a1edf47d098bc9706d9d)
Careers in Science interns join scientists at the inaugural conference of the Citizen Science Association.
Using Citizen Science for STEM Engagement
![Sand crab dissection](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/images/Education_Images/YP_Images/cis_sancrabbing_summer2016.jpg?itok=uD1lnNI_&c=b522e651a3fb921c7eb984cd50ba75c3)
SAC leverages national citizen science projects to engage middle school youth in active science research.
Putting the Learner in the Center
![Teen-helps-kids-with-laptop-and-circuit-board_Credit-Bay-Area-STEM-Ecosystem](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/images/Education_Images/YP_Images/teen-helps-kids-with-laptop-and-circuit-board_credit-bay-area-stem-ecosystem.jpg?itok=DttDBV_E&c=f4b36613eec819540612c0827672d2f5)
Learn how to better serve youth by effectively incorporating their ideas into our movements and programs.
Investigating Nature After School
![Science Action Club participants in Montana conduct an experiment with feathers.](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/science-action-club-montana_1200x1200.jpg?itok=iJLto_1a&c=8c73bf5a6d6b2a6bdd5817f6732138c4)
The Pisces Foundation supports SAC in expanding access to transformative environmental education.
The Pisces Foundation supports SAC in expanding access to transformative environmental education.
How Bugs Beat Out Video Games
![SAC_youthwithALSewardAK_20171102_AKAfterschoolNetwork](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/images/Education_Images/YP_Images/sac_youthwithalsewardak_20171102_akafterschoolnetwork.jpg?itok=mzICEI7l&c=e1891057d15a04f7ddc9834dfeaefb81)
SAC inspires youth in Alaska to reconnect with nature through citizen science.
Op-Ed: After-school Programs Level the Playing Field
![SAC Boy Bird Drawing](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/sac_boybirddrawinglamesaspringvalleyschools20170724_rondawood.jpg?itok=E96BFiP7&c=9e9dd41b7052d4a4a0066b9d18570f0b)
Dean of Education Dr. Elizabeth Babcock on why federal funding for after-school programs must be protected.
How the Bay Area STEM Ecosystem Engages Families
![Bay Area STEM Ecosystems Summer Learning Series 2017](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/images/Education_Images/YP_Images/bayareastemecosystem_summerlearning2017.jpg?itok=tI_kudrL&c=3ebc9d5eaac05d0a60b566486acb610d)
Learn how the Bay Area STEM Ecosystem effectively engages and supports families with informal STEM programs.
Working Together for All Kids
![sac youth making bird observations](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/images/Education_Images/YP_Images/clipboard_presidios15kimiajoann_sac_cc_copy.jpg?itok=gHoDDK5j&c=3c7a4141954d523f8c7079ba8962c09f)
Science centers and afterschool programs partner to provide high-quality STEM education.
Elephant Toothpaste Won't Close the Achievement Gap
![SAC members using binoculars](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/elephanttoothpaste_eylenewsroom.jpg?itok=JClTKZaM&c=8c73bf5a6d6b2a6bdd5817f6732138c4)
SAC combats summer slide with high-quality staff training and support.
Citizen Scientists Scour Ocean Beach in Bioblitz
![CiSinterns_OceanBeach_Muna Danish_KQED](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/cisinterns_oceanbeach_muna_danish_kqed-1200x900.jpg?itok=iVRfQdsc&c=89468b9e1903da773db134ad7c68623e)
Academy teens join forces to document coastal biodiversity.
Science Sandbox Stories of Impact
![Sac Sandbox Video](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/sac_sandbox_video_screenshot.png?itok=f12OsfBh&c=b0ed76456ff38bfbe0ec0d679bbc1e2b)
SAC inspires youth and educators to explore nature in rural Alaska.
Investigating Bugs and Birds at the Zoo
![Cameron Park Zoo SAC club](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/cameron_park_zoo_story_pic2.jpg?itok=LIZyd6Ub&c=0fda09b2f7b8cf0d7f648a169cbefbfd)
In Waco, Texas, youth in SAC use tools and technology to explore nature and document their discoveries.
Videos
Supporting Climate Change Education in Your Summer Program
![SAC educators participating in Cloud Quest activity, Sky Survey.](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/docs/pdf/ssi/sac_cloudquest_surveytransparencysheet_cc-by_adriansanchezgonzalez_2017-10-19.jpg?itok=af2Gyllk&c=35c865fdd1b25cb3784b3d42014cc818)
Learn how summer programs can increase their knowledge and understanding of the impact of climate change.
Watch an Afterschool Nugget
![Students explore nature and engage with citizen science during an outdoor bioblitz.](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_square_460px/public/assets/sac_bugsafari_youthoutdoorsbioblitz_cas_2016-07-13.jpg?itok=b2omPwIB&c=d81d982fad80487edfd704e3307aa555)
Explore SAC’s connection to citizen science and how it can be used to keep youth & families connected to nature.
From STEM Clubs to Careers in Science
![](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/automatic_square_460px/public/youtube/K06wtMBdQfY.png?itok=y_0Z_Day)
Careers in Science high school intern Mariah describes her journey through the Academy’s youth program pathway.
BioBlitz with Young Citizen Scientists
![](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/automatic_square_460px/public/youtube/sscmTMKe3CM.png?itok=mjGhoL5Y)
With Nerds for Nature, the Academy hosted an urban safari for young citizen scientists using iNaturalist.
All of the -ites
![](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/automatic_square_460px/public/youtube/hnyHzTvBZnU.png?itok=POJVhEKW)
Gems and minerals aren’t just beautiful— they’re inside your cell phone and critical to your plasma TV!
Pterosaurs Music Video
![](https://calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/automatic_square_460px/public/youtube/2N4oP91IQLg.png?itok=5u2NnKLu)
You thought pterodactyls were dinosaurs, didn't you? In this science parody, the TASC Force will school you.
The Academy provides a variety of out-of-school-time programs for middle and high school-aged youth, with applications opening seasonally.