Y LEAD: Leadership Exploration and Development
Rising 7th – 9th Graders Jose Ortega Elementary School (400 Sargent St. San Francisco, CA 94132)
What is Y LEAD?
Y LEAD (Leadership Exploration and Development) is a 3-week teen leadership program through the Stonestown Family YMCA for rising 7th–9th graders. Participants build communication, teamwork, and leadership skills through activities and guided workshops while gaining real-world experience through the application of the skills developed in supporting younger campers.
The YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers Y LEAD as part of its youth leadership and workforce development programs, helping teens build confidence and begin exploring future opportunities.
What Teens will Learn
Leadership Skills
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Facilitation
- Conflict management
- Social-emotional learning
Future Readiness
- Goal setting
- College and career exploration
- Entrepreneurship
- Financial Literacy
AT-A-Glance
Location: Jose Ortega Elementary School (400 Sargent St., San Francisco, CA 94132)
Grades: Rising 7th–9th graders
Program Length: 3 weeks
Sessions: 2 sessions available (6/15-7/3 and 7/6-7/24)
Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 10:00am – 4:00pm*
Cost: $640–$800 (includes $50 deposit – financial assistance is available)
Practicing leadership in a real-world setting
In addition to building skills around their own leadership, personal growth, and future exploration, participants will be supporting elementary-aged summer day campers (1st–3rd graders), where they will have an opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world environment with coaching and feedback. This hands-on experience helps build confidence, responsibility, and communication skills.
Program Details & COsT
Session 1: June 15 – July 3, 2026
- Registration Deadline: June 10, 2026
- Non-refundable Deposit: $50
- Facility Members: $690 (includes deposit)
- Community (Non-Facility) Members: $850 (includes deposit)
- Schedule: Mondays – Thursdays, 10:00am – 4:00pm*
Each YLEADer will be assigned a camp placement with a partner to practice their new leadership skills.
On camp field trip days, YLEADers will have a modified schedule and will be notified in advance.
Session 2: July 6 – July 24, 2026
- Registration Deadline: July 1, 2026
- Non-refundable Deposit: $50
- Facility Members: $690 (includes deposit)
- Community (Non-Facility) Members: $850 (includes deposit)
- Schedule: Mondays – Thursdays, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Each YLEADer will be assigned a camp placement with a partner to practice their new leadership skills.
On camp field trip days, YLEADers will have a modified schedule and will be notified in advance.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance is available to families who qualify.
To apply, please fill out our Financial Assistance Application and email your completed form to [email protected] along with two types of income verification. Please refer to the application form for acceptable forms of income verification.
Families who qualified for Financial Assistance during the calendar year do not need to re-apply. If you have not been awarded Financial Assistance within the calendar year, then you will need to re-apply.
Applicants can expect to hear back from an associate in approximately 15 business days with award details.
Email your completed and attached income verification forms by clicking below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Any rising 7th – 9th grader is welcome to join the program!
Y LEAD is located at the Stonestown Family YMCA
333 Eucalyptus Drive
San Francisco, CA 94132
Each session is 3 weeks.
Participants attend workshops and practice leadership skills by supporting younger campers.
Yes. Financial assistance is available based on YMCA camp policies. See this section for more information.
Reach out to Jessica Kravin, Supervisor, at [email protected]