Teen Service Opportunities
Whether you’re looking for service hours, building your resume, or would simply like to volunteer with friends, the Art Center’s Teen Volunteer Program has a variety of volunteer opportunities for you!
Current Opportunities Include
Art Center Teen Leadership
Art Center Teen Leadership (ACTL) assists in producing programming that connects teenagers to art and artists. The teens plan a teen only event, make and exhibit art, learn about art careers, gain leadership skills, make friends from different schools, and earn service hours. ACTL is a year-long commitment and is open to High School Students who have the bandwidth to attend all our meetings, workshops and events. All meetings and workshops are at the Art Center. Please contact Rebecca Passarello, Director of Volunteer Engagement, at rebecca.passarello@paloalto.gov and Jennifer Villegas, Education Coordinator, at jennifer.villegas-naranjo@paloalto.gov, with questions or for more information about joining for the 2026-2027 school year.
Teen Summer Camp Counselor-in-Training Program
Summer Camp Counselors in Training (CITs) are volunteers (13-18 years old) who assist professional art instructors in the day-to-day running of the Kids and Teen Studio summer camps. CITs offer support through classroom management, encouraging campers, prepping art supplies, and more. This is a great way to earn service hours, develop and strengthen leadership skills, and have fun in a creative environment. CITs volunteer for one week of camp, choosing a morning or afternoon session (CITs may volunteer for more than one week of camp, space permitting). Lead CITs are experienced CITs who rotate throughout the camps to assist teachers, students, and CITs. Lead CITs choose a morning or afternoon camp session, and their shift includes the lunch hour. CIT and Lead CIT registration will open with Summer Camp Registration on February 5, 2026 for Palo Alto residents and on February 12, 2026 for everyone.
Learn more about our Counselor-in-Training Program
Ceramics Apprentice Program
Teen Ceramics Apprentices volunteer for a minimum of two hours a week for the current class or camp session at the Art Center. Shifts will overlap with ceramics classes for all ages. Volunteer tasks include maintaining the ceramics studio, organizing supplies and work, working with the kiln, assisting with lesson planning, classroom management, and working closely with Art Center ceramics instructors. Ceramics Apprentices will have access to the ceramics studio during set hours for their own artmaking purposes during their apprenticeship. Candidates for this role must have two years of ceramics experience in Art Center classes or instructor approval and be at least 16 years of age.
This extension of the Art Center’s ceramics program is a great way to earn service hours, develop leadership skills, have fun in a creative environment, and build a portfolio. Apprentices must attend one training session. If you meet the above qualifications and are interested, please contact Mo.Moran@paloalto.gov.
Special and Art Prep Projects Welcome
We are pleased to support teens working on special service projects, such as Girl Scout Gold Awards, Eagle Scout Awards, and other extensive service projects.
Occasionally, we have Art Prep projects for volunteers to complete at the Art Center and/or at home. Please join our monthly Volunteer eNews to learn when these opportunities arise. Contact Rebecca.Passarello@paloalto.gov to subscribe to the Volunteer ENews.