H.A.R.D. Foundation

Hayward Area Recreation & Park District (H.A.R.D.) Foundation
1900 “E” Street, Hayward, CA 94541
Phone: (510) 514-5722 | Email: lovs@haywardrec.org

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Youth Ambassadors

  • Youth Ambassadors

Become a H.A.R.D. Foundation Youth Ambassador

The H.A.R.D. Foundation is currently recruiting high school students in grades 9th-12th to join the H.A.R.D. Foundation Youth Ambassadors program. As Youth Ambassadors, students will provide valuable feedback to the board on the needs of youth in the community. H.A.R.D. Foundation Youth Ambassadors will also serve as a liaison between the foundation and local youth, engaging through social media, friends, and community outreach.

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District Foundation (H.A.R.D. Foundation) was founded in 1983 and is made up of private citizens to preserve the quality of park and recreation facilities and programs within the boundaries of the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.). 

 
As a fundraising entity with the sole purpose of providing much-needed park improvements, recreation programming, and scholarship programs, the H.A.R.D. Foundation hosts a variety of special events. We are active in seeking individual gifts, grants and other fund development opportunities to support the Hayward Area Recreation & Park District, and programs such as the H.A.R.D. Foundation Youth Ambassadors.
 
The mission of the H.A.R.D. Foundation is to create partnerships and foster charitable giving to help HARD create, maintain, and operate outstanding parks and programs accessible and fun for all.

Benefits of Being a H.A.R.D. Foundation Youth Ambassador

  • $50 stipend per meeting 
  • Learn leadership skills 
  • Build professional portfolio
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Time Commitment

  • Must commit to service during the 2025-2026 school year.
  • Attend 5-8 meetings during school-year term.
  • Volunteer for at least 2 H.A.R.D. Foundation events.
  • Participate in a 4-hour orientation training.
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Meeting Dates: 
*with the exception of orientation, meetings will occur in the late afternoons/early evening around 4-6pm
  
  • Exact dates to be determined.
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*Meetings will be held at the H.A.R.D. Foundation, 2451 W Tennyson Rd, Hayward, CA 94545. 

 

How to Apply

Application deadline: June 1, 2025 at 11:59pm

*We are  currently only accepting applications from students attending school at Castro Valley High School, Hayward High School, Mt. Eden High School, San Lorenzo High School, and Tennyson High School. 

Step 1) Fill out this application with your basic information.

Step 2) Record and submit 3 separate videos of yourself answering all 3 questions below.

Instructions for videos:
– Record 1 separate video for each question.
– Must be no longer than 1 minute maximum per answer.
– Email videos to pone@haywardrec.org with the subject line “Video Submission – Your Full Name”. Can send separate emails for each if attachments are too large.

– What kind of impact do you hope to make as a Youth Ambassador for your community?

 
– If you were asked to suggest a new program or initiative to improve local parks and recreation, what would you propose and why?
 
– If you were hosting a community event and could invite any 1 person (alive or from history), who would you choose and why? What would you want to learn from them?

FAQ's

Who can apply?

Students who are in grades 9-12th attending school at Castro Valley High School, Hayward High School, Mt. Eden High School, San Lorenzo High School, and Tennyson High School. 

We’re currently only recruiting students from select schools because we have a limited number of spots—just 14 in total—and we’re accepting only two students per school. Some of those slots have already been filled, so availability is limited.

If I was a Youth Ambassador in the 24-25 school year, do I need to apply again?

No, you will not need to apply again. We will notify you in June or July whether you will be invited to return as a Youth Ambassador for the 25-26 school year.

If I applied last year, but didn’t get accepted, do I need to apply again?

Yes.


Tell a Friend

Know someone who might be interested in becoming a H.A.R.D. Foundation Youth Ambassador? Forward them this webpage or a copy of our flyer.