The Diversity Center and Friday Night Live are teaming up to start a brand-new Pride Youth Council for middle schoolers! If you want to make friends, dream big, learn cool leadership skills, and make a difference, this is your chance. PYC a space to hang out, speak up, and take action for things you care about. Join us for our Kickoff Party to help shape what the council will do and how often we’ll meet. When: Friday, December 5, 2025 @ 6 - 8 PM Where: The Diversity Center Ages: LGBTQ+ Middle School students + … [Read more...]

Join the queerest campaign in town, featuring adventure, fun, snacks, and Spelljammer! This will be an episodic, continuous campaign. We will make characters together or you can use a pre-built. RSVP required. No experience required - learn and make new friends on a magical space quest. Supplies provided. When: Sundays, December 7 and December 21 @ 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Where: The Diversity Center Ages: 13-18 RSVP: tinyurl.com/tdcyouthdnd … [Read more...]

Rainbow Kids Circle is a monthly 90 minute playgroup for gender diverse, LGBTQ+ kids and allies elementary school age 5-11 and their families facilitated by Sara.  Rainbow Kids Circle meets on the first Saturday of each month. Kids must be accompanied by an adult family member. Siblings ages 10 and under are welcome to attend. Families and kids will have a chance to do arts and crafts, read a story, enjoy a snack, and engage in free play with other gender diverse, LGBTQ+ kids and allies. When: Saturday, December 6, 2025 Ages: Youth 5-11 and … [Read more...]

Talking to Dandelions: A Workshop to Scrapbook and Tell Stories, Dec 5 Let’s Adventure with Curiosity & Bring our Thoughts to Life through the art of writing, drawing, and or poetry! However you choose to express your stories and thoughts, we are here to help you. Will have scrapbooking supplies, and snacks to enjoy as you create your stories. When: Friday, December 5, 2025 @ 6 - 8 PM Where: Palenke Arts Studio, 530 Elm Ave, Seaside Ages: 11-18 RSVP: tinyurl.com/TalkingToDandelions … [Read more...]

Queer Student Union (QSU) is a space for LGBTQ+ high school students across Santa Cruz County to connect, create, and lead. Whether you’re passionate about advocacy, curious about exploring Queer liberation, or just want to find community, QSU is where you can make your voice heard and your ideas come to life.  The Queer Student Union is part of the Youth Led Leadership Alliance, which is a network of 8 different leadership groups sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education working together to develop leadership skills and make an … [Read more...]

This event is a family-friendly program where drag performers from Drag Story Time Santa Cruz read children's books that highlight themes of diversity, self-expression, and community. When: Sunday, December 7, 2025 @ 3:30 - 4:30 PM Where: Santa Cruz Public Library, Downtown Branch More information here … [Read more...]

The Rainbow Connections Youth Empowerment Council is for young people who want to build community and make a positive impact. YEC interns will help create youth events that celebrate diversity, acceptance and joy across Monterey County! Youth Empowerment Council Interns will gain: New friendships, Confidence speaking up and working on a team, Leadership + advocacy skills, Service hours and information you can add to your resume and college applications, Opportunities to make your voice heard and dream up local youth events Deadline to … [Read more...]

Trans Lifeline | translifeline.org Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community. Call: (877) 565-8860 | Operating Hours: Monday - Friday 10AM - 6PM For the full and most updated list, please visit hipscc.org/naloxone … [Read more...]

"Scholarship Applications Tips and Advice" - National Society of High School Scholars Former NSHSS Scholarship Director, Dr. Susan Thurman, offers up some helpful tips for students applying for scholarships. These tips are relevant to students applying for any scholarship. "Get Scholarship Help With These Basics and Tips" - Federal Student Aid By following a few tips—such as looking for scholarships everywhere, understanding their criteria, and staying organized—you could be awarded thousands of dollars for school. Though there’s … [Read more...]

The descriptions on the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County website provide a summary of the eligibility qualifications established by the generous donors who have provided the award opportunities. Scholarships range in award amount and include both one-time awards and renewable awards. Award amounts are subject to change from year to year. Application Opens: NOW OPEN Application Deadline: January 28, 2026 Scholarship Amount: Varies Note: Please check the website for updated open/close … [Read more...]