ACCESS TO HOPE INITIATIVE

The Youth and Young Adult Services Unit invites applications for the upcoming cohort of Sojourners.

Sojourn to the Past is a transformative educational journey where youth retrace the footsteps of the Civil Rights Movement by visiting historic landmarks across Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. This immersive experience empowers participants to become changemakers by exploring the values of acceptance, nonviolence, courage, compassion, forgiveness, and civic responsibility—principles that continue to shape our society today.

Eligibility

•  Youth Participants: Ages 14–18 (must be enrolled in high school)
•  Peer Mentors: Ages 18–24 (must be out of high school)
• Must be a San Francisco student or resident

Program Details

• Trip Dates: March 25 – April 1, 2026
• Preparation Meetings: Weekly, beginning in January (4:00–6:00 p.m.)
• Monthly Group Outings: Required participation
• Graduation: TBD

Join us for this powerful opportunity to deepen your understanding of history, build leadership skills, and inspire positive change in your community.

Become a Sojourner – Sojourn to the Past 2026

Applications Open October 15, 2025

Are you ready to walk in the footsteps of history and become a voice for change? Youth ages 14–18 (18 if still in high school) are invited to join the Youth and Young Adult Services Unit for a 6-month transformative journey from January through June 2026 as part of the Sojourn to the Past Initiative.

Travel to key Civil Rights landmarks in Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee, and experience history where it happened. Through this unforgettable journey, you’ll learn lessons of courage, compassion, nonviolence, and civic responsibility — and discover the power you have to make a difference in your community today.

📩 How to Apply: Submit a Youth STP Application.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Ages 14–18 (must be in high school)
• Must be a San Francisco student or resident
• Applicants under 18 must have parental consent for a background check
• Commitment to 6 months of meetings and preparation, including the trip March 25 – April 1, 2026, and post -trip outings and events
• Agreement to follow all Sojourn to the Past and SFDA guidelines, including the no cell phone policy during the trip (staff phones available for emergencies)

Questions? Contact sfda.yyas@sfgov.org for more information.

Note: Space is limited. Due to high demand, individual scheduling conflicts (e.g., vacations or work) cannot be accommodated.

Are you a passionate young adult ready to make an impact? Young adults ages 18–24 are invited to join the Youth and Young Adult Services Unit for a 6-month leadership and mentorship journey from January through June 2026 as part of the inspiring Sojourn to the Past Initiative.

As a Peer Mentor, you’ll guide and support youth participants while deepening your own understanding of leadership, social justice, and the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. This is your opportunity to grow, lead, and make a difference in your community.

📩 How to Apply: Submit a Peer Mentor Application.

Eligibility Requirements:

•  Ages 18–24
• Resident, student, or an articulable connection to San Francisco
• Completion of a background check
• Commitment to all program meetings, the trip March 25 – April 1, 2026, and post-trip outings and events
• Agreement to follow all Sojourn to the Past guideline

Questions? Contact sfda.yyas@sfgov.org for more information.

Note: Space is limited. Due to high demand, individual scheduling conflicts (e.g., vacations or work) cannot be accommodated.