Uniting San Francisco and vicinity to create a clean and healthy Bay, Save The Bay protects and restores San Francisco Bay for people and wildlife. As climate change and pollution threaten the area, they lead initiatives to make the region sustainable for future generations. They provide tools and resources necessary for restoration, work to affect environmental policy, and offer free, hands-on science and nature education programs to students.

Since 1972, the California-based Environmental Training Company has offered wilderness adventures to people with disabilities and underserved youth. Through whitewater rafting, sea kayaking and cross-country skiing, ETC helps participants “overcome external barriers and perceived limitations, attain greater personal freedom and confidence, and better understand themselves in relation to others and the environment.”

Role models and representation are everything to a young person’s perception of who they are and who they can become. Career Girls provides both to young girls all over the globe. With an unmatched online collection of career-guidance videos of diverse and accomplished women and helpful college preparedness articles, the organization lets participants explore every field and “discover their own path to empowerment.”

Artist mentorship for young creatives is at the heart of Ryman Arts. Starting with 12 students in 1990 to 500 students annually, the non-profit provides a strong artistic foundation to culturally diverse teens, 80 percent of whom come from low-income areas where access to the arts is limited. At no cost to students, Ryman offers weekend-only studio art instruction, college and career guidance and overall support for personal success.