Youth Chance High School

What is Youth Chance High School?

Everyone knows that investing in school now can pay off big later. But what if a student wants to get paid now?  Youth Chance is built around the goals of young people who want to support themselves, their families, and their futures, starting today.  All students are supported to get and hold a job or a paid internship, while designing classes and projects that explore their passions and build their future.  Youth Chance is a one-of-a-kind San Francisco Public School program designed by a team of educators who have worked extensively with non-traditional students.  Students leave with a high school diploma, real work experience, and professional contacts to help them expand their circle. 

Who is Youth Chance for?

Youth Chance is designed for students in their 4th and 5th year of high school who are behind in credits and haven’t found success in their current school setting but want to get a job and finish high school at the same time.  Students who are foster, homeless, or referred by probation are eligible to attend. Most students are recommended by a Case Manager or Probation Officer. However, students and families can work with their School Counselor or School Social Worker to complete a County Form and email it to transferpanel@sfusd.edu.

A referral does not equal or mean a school placement. An exploratory must be completed before a student is enrolled in the program. The exploratory process involves an intake and safety assessment of the student and caregiver to ensure that the services best suit the student and family. Students and families opt into the program (it is not mandated). 

Why is Youth Chance different?

Our school’s classroom looks different.  Students won’t necessarily see rows of chairs with a teacher standing up front.  Participants will see spaces that will help them learn the skills for working in a career, whether that’s an office, an auto shop, a clothing store or many other fields.  Our school is also in person three (3) days per week and virtual two (2) days a week to support the needs of our older students who often have adult responsibilities.  There are two teachers for up to 20 students.  We also have a School Social Worker and a Student Advocate who work with students on career and life skills support.

What happens when a student arrives?

Youth will work with their teachers and staff to complete interest inventories, set goals, learn job readiness skills, conduct two-way exploratory interviews, and job shadow at several locations.  Students design their own project based, personalized learning experiences that are relevant to individual career goals. Students will “level up,” earning increasing responsibility and financial compensation as they progress.  

What will the outcome be?

• A California ID, work permit, other documents needed to obtain a job
• Culminating projects to showcase new skills
• Credits for working and for school projects
• Students may complete a pre-apprenticeship, and/or may earn a workforce readiness certificate/industry credential, depending on the field

Reporting Student Absences

The parent/caregiver is responsible for ensuring their child gets to school daily. 

If a student will remain at home, the parent/ guardian/caregiver must communicate with the school in one of the following ways before or on the day of the absence:

• Submit an absence notification via ParentVue (Instructions)*
• Email to attendance clerk (add email address & clerk name)
• Written note
• Phone call  (add phone number)
• School-specific attendance form (link, if applicable)

(*After an absence you will not be able to report an absence through ParentVue and must email, use the school form: if available, call, or send a note with your student.)

In all communications with the school regarding a student's absence please provide the following:

• Your name and identify yourself as the parent/guardian/caregiver of the student
• Student’s name
• Date(s) of the absence(s)
• Reason for the absence
• Signature of a parent/caregiver and current date  (if a written note)

We encourage parents/guardians/caregivers to review their student's attendance record regularly and communicate any discrepancies to the school. 

Students and Families can learn more about SFUSD Attendance policies in the Student and Family Handbook.