This annual Youth Summit unites sixth- through twelfth-grade youth with local dignitaries, mentors, and community leaders for an incredible day complete with exploration, education, and entertainment. The event is a community effort to build healthy attributes such as self esteem, honesty, and integrity. The goal is to assist students in constructing the foundation they need to be successful by equipping them with experiences that will enhance their personal and social standards. The interactive workshops provided at the Youth Summit will offer life skills, assist with career development, and provide a venue for appropriate activities that reduce the risk of undesirable behavior.

Date and Location: May 3, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; Los Medanos College, Pittsburg

The CCCOE and the Contra Costa Economic Partnership (along with numerous professional partners) will once again be producing outstanding hands-on education career camps. Incoming high school juniors and seniors can now register. The week-long camps are looking for teachers to support student learning. Instructors will earn professional development hours and a small stipend for each camp, while also being exposed to a full range of industry experts.  

Dates and locations: Engineering, June 16-20, Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill; Biotechnology, July 7-11, CSUEB, Concord; Environmental Sciences, July 21-25; CSUEB, Concord.  

For info: Contact Liz Ritchie at (925) 684-4995 or visit the programs' website. 

Fee: Each camp has a different price point, see website; scholarships are available

The Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society will gladly organize an astronomy night for your school, youth group, or community organization. The organization's members volunteer their time and their telescopes to bring the universe to you. They also provide knowledgeable speakers and activities on various astronomy topics, either in a classroom or in a meeting setting.

For info: Contact Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society by email or visit their website

Fee: Free

The 2014 Expanding Your Horizons conference is for 6-8 grade girls and their parents to explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Attendees will engage in hands-on activities and interact with women working in STEM fields.

Date and location: Saturday, May 3, 8:30 a.m. -2:00 p.m.; at Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill

For info: Contact Hilary Dito at (925) 942-3396 or visit the program's Web page

The Warren W. Eukel Teacher Trust Fund annually distributes three separate $10,000 grants to outstanding teachers. The Trust will select nominees who exhibit extraordinary commitment of personal time and energy on behalf of their students. Teachers can self-nominate, or be nominated by an administrator, colleague, or student. The award may be used in any manner the recipient wishes.

For info: Contact Peggy Toovey at (925) 945-0200 or visit their website

Deadline: April 30

For more than 15 years, and with nearly $4 million in awarded grants, ING Unsung Heroes has proven to be an A+ program with educators. The program's "alumni" have inspired success in the classroom and impacted countless numbers of students. Each year, 100 educators are selected to receive $2,000 to help fund their innovative class projects. Three of those are chosen to receive the top awards of an additional $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000.

The Contra Costa Fire Protection District is offering a number of in-class or auditorium  programs for schools in Antioch, Pittsburg, Bay Point, Concord, Clayton, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, San Pablo, El Sobrante, and North Richmond.  There are presentations for pre-school to high school students, as well as PTA meetings.

For info: Contact the CCFPD at (925) 941-3327 or review the programs on their website

Fee: Free

KidsGardening.com is a website that has plenty of ideas about plants and gardens, teacher resources, and grant opportunities. 

Across the Bay Area at more than 200 free tax sites, trained volunteer tax preparers help individuals and families claim their maximum benefit and refund. We partner with hundreds of community organizations and other free tax preparation providers such as Tax-Aid and AARP Tax-Aide to process over 64,000 tax returns each year. We provide low to moderate income households with free, quality tax return preparation and access to asset building or income support resources such as public benefits, low or no cost bank accounts or financial education. We also ensure eligible taxpayers claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) which can amount to as much as $5,891 per family. 

For info: Dial 211 or visit their website

Fee: Free