Equipping young people with leadership skills helps them develop into productive, responsible citizens who care for themselves, their families and the community at large. Below we highlight 17 organizations that offer leadership training programs and service opportunities for kids and teens in San Diego County,
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego
4635 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
www.sdyouth.org
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego offer a variety of leadership development and service programs for local youth. These programs include: Torch Clubs, small-group leadership clubs for pre-teens ages 11–13, Keystone Clubs for teens ages 14–18 interested in community service, character development, career exploration and more and Passport to Manhood for boys ages 11-14.
4-H Youth Development
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, San Diego County
9335 Hazard Way #201, San Diego
https://ucanr.edu/site/4-h-san-diego-county
One of the defining goals of 4-H is to encourage young people to develop leadership and be of service to others. Kids ages 5–19 participate in local clubs, countywide special interest projects or curriculum enrichment programs through a cooperative effort of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, federal, state and local governments, state land-grant universities and volunteers. The largest youth program in the United States, 4-H Youth Development is a federal program that is implemented within the state by the University of California Cooperative Extension.
Girl Scouts
San Diego–Imperial Council
1231 Upas St.
www.sdgirlscouts.org
Girl Scouts USA has been instrumental in helping girls and young women build leadership skills for over 100 years. The San Diego-Imperial Council offers a robust program with more than 23,000 members participating in various enrichment programs. Girl Scouts explore career paths, engage in community service projects, develop wilderness skills, practice entrepreneurship, explore STEM concepts, foster new friendships and much more. Girls ages 5–18 can sign up today at www.sdgirlscouts.org.
Scouting America
San Diego–Imperial Council
1207 Upas St.
www.sdicscouting.org
For more than a century, Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) has prepared youth to become responsible citizens while creating lives of impact and purpose. The program is divided into five programs according to age and activity including: Cub Scouts (K-Grade 5); Scouts BSA (ages 11-17), Sea Scouts (teens and young adults ages 14-20), Venturing (ages 14-20) and Exploring (ages 11-20).
California Youth and Government
YMCA of San Diego County
Dan McKinney YMCA
8355 Cliffridge Ave, La Jolla
www.ymcasd.org/programs/education/leadership-development/youth-and-government
The YMCA of San Diego County Youth and Government program is designed for middle and high school students (grades 6-12) to become engaged citizens and responsible leaders through simulations and real-world problem-solving. This transformative civic education program provides opportunities for youth to act as delegates, create model legislation, work on court cases and attend local delegation meetings. Participants come away with critical leadership skills and a commitment to creating positive change in California and beyond. Offered at Dan McKinney YMCA.
More Youth Leadership Programs and Service Groups for Kids
Kiwanis K-Kids is a service leadership program for elementary school kids ages 6–11. www.kiwaniskids.org
Kiwanis Builders Club offers leadership skills and character-building opportunities for middle school students ages 12–14. www.buildersclub.org
Best Buddies helps end social isolation of local students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by partnering them with fellow elementary, middle and high school students who don’t have IDD. Ask your child’s school if they participate. www.bestbuddies.org/california/friendship
California FFA is a youth leadership organization offering career development through agricultural education. The Southern Region has local high school chapters in Escondido, Fallbrook, Lakeside, Poway, Ramona, San Marcos and Valley Center. www.calaged.org/ffa-leadership
Rotary Interact Clubs, such as Rotary Club of Downtown San Diego Interact Club and Rotary Club of Carlsbad Interact Club, provide opportunities for service and international understanding for kids ages 12–18. www.rotary.org/en/get-involved/interact-clubs
Live Well San Diego Youth Leadership Team selects 15 local teens annually to get hands-on experience working for the County of San Diego. Over the course of 10 months, Youth Leaders work with County employees, participate in County boards and commissions, organize town halls and serve as experts that inform County services and programs. www.livewellsd.org/i-want-to/get-involved/sector-engagement/youth/youth-leadership-team
Mitchell Thorp Foundation Youth Leadership Council provides community service opportunities and leadership development for local students in grades 9–12. www.mitchellthorp.org/youth-leadership-council.html
San Diego Diplomacy Council offers a variety of youth programs that help today’s young people become tomorrow’s global leaders and changemakers. www.sandiegodiplomacy.org/what-we-do/youth-programs
American Red Cross GLOW Red Youth Leadership Camp is an annual event for Southern California high school students to develop character and leadership skills. www.redcross.org/local/california/southern-california/volunteer/youth-volunteer.html
Kids for Peace empowers even the youngest changemakers by encouraging them to be kind and compassionate, and by taking the peace pledge. www.kidsforpeaceglobal.org
Key Clubs, which are a division of Kiwanis, are found on many local high school campuses, offering service projects and leadership development. Check with your child’s school.
San Diego County Sheriff’s RESPECT Project is a 16-week afterschool mentoring program for students in grades 9–12. www.sdsheriff.gov/community/respect-project
Updated: October 2025
