SFRM Gifted Youth Program: A Year of Growth and Exciting Events (March 2025 Update)

BY LANA LEE
SFRM GIFTED YOUTH COORDINATOR

This year has been transformational for San Francisco Regional Mensa’s (SFRM) Gifted Youth Program (GYP), bringing together brilliant young minds, fostering a sense of community, and expanding our reach to more families than ever before. From service projects to our dynamic gifted youth (GY) track at our regional gathering, we’ve created spaces where gifted youth can learn, connect, and thrive.

 

Expanding Our Community

One of our biggest achievements this year was our significant growth in members. Our GYP welcomed 36% more GY members than the previous year – from 132 GYs to 180 (and counting!) – reflecting the increasing interest in gifted youth programming in the Bay Area.

I also welcomed seven new GYP volunteers who are background-checked parents and Mensa members dedicated to hosting events for GYs and Mensa families. These volunteers have played an integral role in making the program more engaging and accessible – I could NOT have done any of this without them! . Meet the GYP volunteers to learn more about the amazing individuals behind our events!

 

GYP Events Highlights

Our calendar was packed with fun events that catered to a variety of interests, ensuring that everyone had opportunities to make friends and flex their Mensa brains!   Here are some of the standout events from the past year:

Eco Volunteering in the Presidio and Weeding at Presidio Park (June 2024)
On June 8th, Mensans from the San Francisco Region engaged in ecological conservation in Presidio Park SF. They partnered with the Presidio Park Stewards, targeting an invasive species called purple velvet grass (holcus lanatus).

Gifted Youth Programming at SFRM’s Regional Gathering (November 2024)

LEGO Idea Museum Scavenger Hunt for GYs (January 2025)
What do a LEGO roller coaster, a working camera, and Optimus Prime have in common? For 15 kids, it is the ultimate playground for creativity and problem-solving during a special scavenger hunt at a LEGO Idea Museum, Your Next Brick.

Mensa Youth Enjoy a Fun-Filled Snow Day in Tahoe (February 2025)
On February 21st and 22nd, Sacramento Regional Mensa gifted youth teamed up with San Francisco Regional Mensa and Monterey County Mensa gifted youth and enjoyed a Tahoe weekend.

 

Virtual Events

We also offered engaging online programs for both gifted youth and parents:

For GYs

In our February 16, 2025 session, we talked about Aerospace Engineering. Hear from two aerospace engineers, Dr. Swati Saxena and Brad Lucht as they share their insights and experience. Watch the video on SFRM’s GYP YouTube channel!

For Parents 

Virtual events with SFRM GY Resource Coordinator, Melody Lowman

Read more SFRM GYP updates in the Gifted Youth Corner.

 

Future Ideas and Plans

This year, as SFRM’s GYC, my goal was to establish a strong GYP where our youngest and brightest minds could not only meet peers but also have opportunities to serve and lead. One of our major initiatives was launching a program for GY teens to become SFRM’s “Gifted Youth Members at Large”—a non-voting appointed volunteer position where they help build the GYP and plan family-friendly events for SFRM.

Looking ahead in 2025, I’m planning to

  • Create an academically-focused PSAT, SAT, and college prep SIG for GY teens, fostering a close-knit support network as they transition into becoming young adults.
  • Expand GY volunteer and service opportunities, giving kids the chance to develop leadership and teamwork skills while making lasting friendships.
  • Plan more family-friendly events to engage both Mensa parents and families in fun, educational experiences.
  • Foster multi-generational programs and events that allow GYs to engage with and learn from older Mensa members, such as applying to be a speaker for Career Conversations for Gifted Youth.

 

A Heartfelt Thank You to the SFRM GYP Volunteers

None of this would have been possible without the support of the GYP volunteers, parents, and GYs who contribute their time, ideas, and enthusiasm: Maria Gomez, Jen Storm-Alves, Bernadette Hill-Comeau, Nick Kloski, Angela Kwan, MingMay Pang, Tina To, and our GY members at large. I’d like to also give a special note of appreciation to our GY resource coordinator Melody Lowman for her supportive guidance. Your involvement has made this year incredible, and I’m looking forward to seeing all that we do together for the remainder of 2025!

If you’d like to learn more about the SFRM Gifted Youth Program send an email to and also check out our landing page.  If you’re not yet a member, consider joining. Let’s continue building a strong, inspiring community for the next generation of gifted youth and Mensa families!

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