Community Resources
Scholarship Opportunity: Broadcasting & Media Summer Camp for Grades 6–10
The California Historical Radio Society is excited to offer scholarships for our upcoming Broadcasting & Media Summer Camp, taking place this June in Alameda!
This unique, hands-on camp is designed for students entering grades 6 through 10 and offers an immersive experience at the intersection of media production and electronics. Participants will:
- Create radio dramas using professional recording equipment
- Build functioning radio receivers while learning the science of wireless communication
- Engage in real-world projects that foster curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration
Led by industry experts and museum professionals, our camp blends creativity and technical skill in a fun, educational environment.
Location: California Historical Radio Society Museum, Alameda, CA
Dates: June 16-20
Website: californiahistoricalradio.com/camp
Scholarship Info & Application: Apply for a Scholarship
Camp Galileo - Discount & Montera Fundraiser!
USE CODE: MONTERAMS50 for $50 off your purchase + $50 donation to Montera for every family registration!
What’s Camp Galileo All About?
- Convenient Location: Glenview Elementary, 4215 La Cresta Ave, Oakland, CA 94602
- Simple Scheduling: Weekly sessions with 8-9am morning and 3-6pm afternoon extended care options
- Engaging Curriculum: K-8th STEAM projects, hands-on collaboration & outdoor play every day
- Summer Fun: Water days, fun machines, rubber, chicken cheers, skits, songs & more!
- Spectacular Staff: Our experienced staffers facilitate friendships & make camp magic
- Innovation for All: Camp scholarship information & applications available on our website
Mr. D's Music Club - Performing Arts Summer Camp
Mr. D’s Music Club is a multi-award-winning performing arts summer camp where kids ages 8–13 spend a fun-filled week singing, dancing, acting, and creating art in a joyful, supportive environment. Each week features a brand-new theme that inspires our talented teaching artists to create original choreography, imaginative scripts, unique art projects, and one-of-a-kind playlists full of songs kids love to sing.
Our focus? Building confidence, making friends, and celebrating creativity—without the pressure of perfection. Each camp week culminates in a high-energy performance for friends and family, where every camper shines.
Teens ages 14–15 can join our Leader-In-Training program to gain experience, build skills, and be part of the fun.
Sibling and multi-camp discounts available. Financial aid is offered. Conveniently located in Upper Rockridge. Learn more at mrdsmusicclub.com
Montera families can enjoy $25 off with promo code: MrDsLovesMontera2025 (expires 5/4/25)
Camp Chrysalis, started in 1982, is now in its 43rd year and has developed a distinctive approach to environmental education, offering children, ages 9 -17, rich experiences that combine recreation, learning, and personal growth. We camp in three spectacular environments as a family of learners together: Big Sur redwoods, Mendocino coast (tide pools) and Sierra Nevada mountains. Our purpose is to explore and learn as well as to play and enjoy. Around camp and on side-trips, we develop natural science skills through active study of these environments, basic camping and wilderness skills, and nurture an ethic of respect and responsibility towards these places. We also offer a backpacking session for our more experienced high-school campers. For more information check our website at www.campchrysalis.com or contact Lee Tempkin, our director at lee@campchrysalis.com.
Equally important, we pay particular attention to the human communities that sustain us as individuals. Our very conscious mentoring of young people is one of the big attractions of the camp and campers develop a strong knit and caring community. We divide the campers into four small family groups of mixed gender and ages with two experienced staff leaders. In these small groups, they work and play together, and take care of us all. Free from electronics and popular culture, Camp Chrysalis gives young people the opportunity to create friendships grounded in kindness and respect. We look forward to seeing you this summer!
Girls Inc Eureka! Teen Achievement Program
Eureka is a free 5 year program that promotes confidence, sisterhood, college and career readiness for girls. This year we are accepting 40 girls who are currently in 7th and 8th grade. Learn more by clicking here.
Practice HSPT Exam @ Bishop O'Dowd
Bishop O'Dowd is pleased to invite 7th-grade students to participate in a Practice HSPT Exam on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Bishop O'Dowd High School. This initiative provides students with a valuable opportunity to experience the format and types of questions found on the 8th-grade HSPT.
Event Details:
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Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
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Location: Bishop O’Dowd High School
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Arrival Time: 8:30 AM (Please follow parking directions from security personnel)
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Testing Begins: 9:00 AM
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Duration: Approximately 3 hours
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Pick-Up Time: 12:00 PM
Practice Test Information:
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This is a practice test designed to familiarize students with the HSPT format.
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Scores will not be reviewed by O’Dowd Admissions and are for personal use only.
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LD accommodations are not available for this practice exam.
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Student scores will be sent directly to families by Scholastic Testing Service after the exam.
Registration:
To participate, students must complete both:
- O’Dowd Registration
- STS Registration: A STS (Scholastic Testing Service) link will be available after the O’Dowd registration has been completed. Please follow instructions.
Optional Parent Information Session: Enjoy breakfast while learning about the O’Dowd admissions process and what to expect when applying.
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Time: 9:00–10:30 AM
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Location: Theater at Bishop O’Dowd High School
If you have any questions, please reach out to the Bishop O'Dowd Admissions Office at admissions@bishopodowd.org.
We hope this opportunity will be beneficial in preparing your child for future academic success!
Best regards,
Kerryn Pincus Gallagher
Director of Enrollment and Admissions
admissions@bishopodowd.org
Free Tickets to Berkeley Symphony!
The Berkeley Symphony’s Students at the Symphony program offers FREE tickets to K-12 students to attend Berkeley Symphony’s Symphonic Series concerts! As part of our commitment to fostering a love for the arts, we’re excited to welcome the next generation of music lovers.
Who Can Attend?
- K-12 students – Free admission!
- Parents, teachers, and school staff – Just $15 per ticket, well below regular prices.
Join us for an unforgettable musical experience! Flyer: View Here
Get Your Tickets & More Info: Visit this webpage to claim student and adult vouchers for upcoming concerts!
UC Berkeley Girls in Engineering Summer Camp
Now Accepting Applications for Summer 2025 for Campers & High School Counselors-in-Training
Girls in Engineering is a hands-on summer camp for middle school students interested in learning more about engineering, STEM/STE(A)M, and design thinking. Taught by UC Berkeley researchers, staff, and students, campers gain exposure to engineering, design thinking, and real-world problem solving through hands-on activities and team projects.
What: Girls in Engineering Summer Camp
Who: Students entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade and living in the Bay Area who are interested in learning more about engineering. All gender identities welcome to apply!
When: Session 1: July 7 - 11, 2025 | Session 2: July 14 - 18, 2025
Want to volunteer? Are you a high school student (10th grade or above) looking for volunteer opportunities this summer? If so, you can apply to be a volunteer for our Girls in Engineering camps. The volunteer application is OPEN and accepting applications. Join our dynamic and talented team!
Apply as a Camper
Learn About Scholarships!
Apply as a HS CIT
More Info: visit us at girlsinengineering.berkeley.edu
Applications Due: March 28, 2025 (or once 75 applications have been submitted). Apply today!
Oakland Cubs Track and Field Team Registration
Oakland Cubs Track and Field Team registration is open for the 2025 Season for ages 4-18. Oakland Cubs Track and Field program provides opportunities for young athletes to participate in track and field competitions at local, regional or national levels. All levels/ability are welcomed. The 2025 Season starts February 18, 2025 https://www.oaklandcubs.com/program/2025-track-and-field/16292
Oakland Spiders - Ultimate Frisbee Lessons
Learn Ultimate Frisbee this Winter/Spring with Oakland's own professional team, the Spiders! Check out the brochures above for programs designed for ages 11–14 and join the fun!
Let your child have a blast while learning from the pros each week. Our Winter/Spring Ultimate Skills & Scrimmages are designed for 11-14 year olds, with a focus on skill development through play. From throwing and catching to mastering fundamental strategies, we emphasize life skills, including the Spirit of the Game and social-emotional growth, to help every player thrive on and off the field. Don’t miss out—sign up now!
Math Acceleration Options - Family Info Night
On Tuesday, November 19, 2024 OUSD will host a virtual Family Info Night on zoom from 5:00-5:45pm to explore math acceleration options for high school students. While we hope to see many 8th grade families, this info night is open to families of students of all ages. During our info night, we will:
- explore math course options at each grade level in high school
- learn about the various math acceleration options that are offered at each high school
- learn about the options for math acceleration before 9th grade, and hear from our students and teachers their experiences with different Algebra 1 course options
- collect questions from our community
- provide feedback and input around middle school math enrichment opportunities
Please register here for the zoom webinar. To begin the conversation, please submit any questions that you have in this google form.
Have questions or want to learn more about Math Acceleration Options in OUSD? Check out this FAQ in 2023 with links to a webinar for more information!
Thank you,
Courtney Ortega, Secondary Math Coordinator for Middle Schools
Keely Machmer-Wessels, Secondary Math Coordinator for High Schools
High School Outreach Programs for 8th Graders
Each year, we have different programs reach out to us to recruit students for their programs. These programs support students while they are in high school. Some programs include Boost@Berkeley Haas and the Upward Bound program at Mills College.
Typical requirements for Students:
- Low-income (Qualifies for free and/or reduced lunch)
- First generation to go to college (Neither parent has completed a four year degree in the United States)
- Attend a public high school (might be specific schools depending on the program)
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Upward Bound @ Mills College
Please complete this form if you or your child would like more information about the programs. Thank you!
A new program for LGBTQIA+ Youth Encouraging Stewardship of the Great Outdoors. Ages 13-15, 16-18. FREE to Sliding Scale.
Exciting news, we have A LOT of great Outlandish! adventures planned for this fall! I wanted to reach out and invite you to check out what's coming down the pipeline.
- Saturday, September 28th, 2024: Armstrong Woods State Natural Reserve. We'll spend the day exploring this beautiful park. Ages 13-18.
You can find more information on our trips page here. Remember, all of our trips are FREE. We want anyone and everyone to go on adventures with us.
BLOOM (Boldly Living Outdoors for Mental Health)
Check out a study by a great researcher at UCSF regarding the positive impact of families in nature. It gets students and their families in nature and families will get a small stipend for participating!
Help is Available for OUSD Community: Care Solace
OUSD has partnered with Care Solace to support our community’s mental health. If you or a family member are looking for help with your mental health or substance use, you can use Care Solace to anonymously find community therapists or treatment programs matched to your needs regardless of circumstances. Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential service provided to OUSD students, staff, and their families.
If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:
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Call 888-515-0595 available 24/7/365 in any language.
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Visit www.caresolace.com/oakland and either search on your own , OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
Free Adobe Express Accounts for OUSD Students and Staff
Adobe Express is an online and mobile design app both OUSD students and staff can use to easily create stunning presentations, short videos, worksheets, flyers, journals and more. This app is available to all students and staff, so share the news with your colleagues and students. And, the best part, it works on Chromebooks and mobile devices.
Login to Adobe Express using your district email address and password at express.adobe.com
Free Bus Passes for Montera Students
Montera has been added to the Alameda County Student Transit Pass Program, which gives students free Clipper cards to take the bus to school. Eligible students (which should be all Montera students) get a FREE Youth Clipper card that provides unlimited free rides on AC Transit. Students can also add cash value to the Clipper card for 50% off BART fares and youth discounts on other transit systems that use Clipper.
Click on Oakland Unified School District and then Montera Middle School and fill out the application form.
If your student has a Youth Clipper card already, a Student Transit Pass will be added to your existing Youth Clipper card electronically. If you don't have a Clipper card yet, a card will be shipped to the school and distributed to your student there. Please note that it may take 4 to 6 weeks for your new STPP Clipper card to be delivered due to the high volume of applications.
You May Qualify for Free Internet!
We all know it's harder for students to succeed at school without reliable internet at home. Students need it to complete their homework and access resources critical to their development. Unfortunately, many families can't afford internet service. But there's good news—a new government benefit, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), provides eligible households with a discount on internet services and devices.