High school student programs

Are you a San Francisco High School student looking for ways to get more involved in the community? Would you like to get your friends and classmates interested in politics and voting? Or maybe you’re just looking for a fun way to earn community service hours? Consider joining the San Francisco High School Elections Ambassador Program!

Offered twice a year in April and September during California’s annual High School Voter Education Weeks, the San Francisco High School Elections Ambassadors program teaches students about pre-registration for eligible 16- and 17-year- olds and provides them the training and materials needed to successfully conduct voter registration events in their schools and neighborhoods.

The Spring 2026 Elections Ambassador program included 34 students from 13 public and private high schools across San Francisco. Together, the Spring 2026 High School Elections Ambassadors pre-registered 167 new future San Francisco voters!

Applications for the Fall 2026 San Francisco High School Elections Ambassador program will open in mid-July. Check back here starting July 15 to access the online application. The application deadline for the Fall 2026 program is August 30.

All Ambassadors attend an in-person ninety-minute training workshop where they learn how to register voters and to successfully develop, promote, and conduct outreach events. Each Ambassador is paired with a department mentor who supports them throughout the program, providing advice and support for their outreach activities.

At the end of the program, we host a ceremony at City Hall to thank the students and celebrate their achievements. Each Ambassador receives a participation certificate signed by the Mayor of San Francisco and distinguished community service program hours to include on their college applications.

For more information on the San Francisco High School Elections Ambassador Program, please email hsp@sfgov.org or give us a call at 415-558-6100.

If you are 16 or 17 years old, you can complete a paper or online voter registration form now. On your 18th birthday, we will activate your voter record and send a confirmation letter. We will also start mailing you official election materials.

If you will be at least 16 years old by the next Election Day, you can apply to serve as a poll worker. This experience looks great on a college application or resume. You will also receive a stipend up to $245. A High School Poll Worker Application to serve in the November 2026 Election will be available on this page starting in mid-August.

High Schools in San Francisco can participate in the California Student Mock Election, a program administered by the California Secretary of State’s office. To learn more and find out how your school can register, visit the Secretary of State’s website.

If you have questions or would like more information about any of our High School student programs, please contact the High School programs team at hsp@sfgov.org.