"YouthSF… truly a role model for how youth programs should operate."

T. Davidson

Mission

YouthSF prepares students (K-12) from underserved populations to more actively participate in the digital revolution that is transforming our world.

YouthSF provides dynamic learning environments bursting with stimulating ideas, products and projects where students explore, discover, play, create, collaborate and… learn... without realizing they are “learning”.

YSF is pioneering a TEC REC™ pedagogy designed to engage and inspire students in the study of science, technology, engineering, math, maker & media arts; STEM/MM.

TEC REC has featured contributors like Dr Leroy Chiao, former NASA astronaut and International Space Station commander, & attracted students from over 100 San Francisco schools.

A list of elementary and middle schools in a district, organized in four columns, with a small graphic of a graduation cap at the bottom right.

100+ Schools Represented

Three children sitting on the floor around a small robotic device with cube parts, engaging with it while a girl holds a tablet. The girl wears a pink hoodie with a name tag labeled 'AILEE', the boy in the middle wears a light gray hoodie, and the boy on the left wears a dark hoodie.

    • A student-centric framework allows student’s to follow their own interests and organically expand their exploration.

    • Peer-to-peer exploration & collaboration are fostered.

    • The primary role of trained facilitators is to offer encouragement and support.

    • YSF believes that deep learning is fostered by active, hands-on, projects.

    • STEM fields of study require the application of ideas to physical constructs.

    • Most importantly, making stuff is FUN!

    • Projects add an important dimension to academic study.

    • Collaboration is fostered in project-based learning.

    • Communication skills improve through project collaboration

    • Adding a real-world component to academic studies can help bring ideas and theories to life.

    • Engaging students in real-world issues promotes understanding and social awareness.

    • Mistakes are celebrated but perseverance is expected. Engagement is our key metric.

TEC REC™

Project Highlights

View fullsize The popsicle stick extends through the void and emerges from the other side. Seems like magic, but YSF science-based students know the trick. #YouthSF #TECREC #HandsOnLearning #STEMEducation #MakerEducation #YouthDevelopment #LearningByDoing #After
View fullsize Future engineers 3D designing tools. #youthsf #TECREC #HandsOnLearning #STEMEducation #MakerEducation #YouthDevelopment #LearningByDoing #AfterschoolPrograms #CommunityImpact #SanFrancisco
View fullsize YouthSF May 2026 Newsletter - Ready for Summer! Subscribe to our newsletter https://mailchi.mp/youthsf/youthsf-november-newsletter-10157054
View fullsize
View fullsize This Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who gave their lives in service. We reflect on the responsibility we share to build a future rooted in opportunity, learning, and care for one another.
View fullsize YouthSF hosted former NASA astronaut! 👨‍🚀🛰 Dr. Chiao spent 15 years at NASA and is a veteran of 4 space missions. He most recently served as Commander and NASA Science Officer of Expedition 10 aboard the International Space Station. He has log
View fullsize Exploring circuits by making DIY fans. #YouthSF #TECREC #HandsOnLearning #STEMEducation #MakerEducation #YouthDevelopment #LearningByDoing #AfterschoolPrograms #CommunityImpact #SanFrancisco
View fullsize Digital portraits using an Apple Pencil. 🎨 Swipe to see final result>>>>> #YouthSF #TECREC #ApplePencil #HandsOnLearning #STEMEducation #MakerEducation #YouthDevelopment #LearningByDoing #AfterschoolPrograms #CommunityImpact #SanFra
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Inspiration

The Mike Homer Innovation Program seeks to promote creativity in the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) by offering FUN, inventive and inspiring projects through distance learning. The program will help prepare students and schools for a new digital world. A world where many of the jobs students will hold do not yet exist! Creative thinking has been identified as a crucial 21st century skill needed to drive innovation.