Announcements

In an exciting development for SACOG’s Youth Leadership Academy (YLA), the program received the 2023 Local Vision Award from the Sacramento Valley Section of the American Planning Association (Sacramento Valley APA) on October 18, 2023. The recognition highlights the transformative impact the program provides for local youth in engaging with regional planning and civic participation.

YLA, an annual program catering to high school students within the six-county Sacramento region, has been making waves since its launch in 2019. The program’s primary goal is to introduce young leaders to the intricate workings of SACOG, allowing students to delve into the civic engagement process and gain a profound understanding of local government dynamics and long-range planning.

At the heart of YLA is the emphasis on the interconnectedness of public and private sectors. By participating in workshops, field trips, and panels, students gain exposure to the intricate relationships between these sectors, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the forces that shape their communities. One student, when reflecting on her program experience, noted, “I’ve learned how interconnected communities are!” Furthermore, the program offers students a platform to interact with local elected leaders and public agency officials, granting students a firsthand view of the decision-making processes.

The Sacramento Valley APA Awards Program aims to promote quality and raise public awareness of the planning profession by acknowledging outstanding achievements in the field. The recognition received by YLA through the awards program underscores YLA’s impactful contributions to cultivating informed and empowered young leaders within the Sacramento region.

With the recognition provided by the APA award, YLA is poised to have an even more profound impact on the lives of high school students in the Sacramento region. This award not only recognizes the program’s outstanding achievements but also serves as a catalyst for its continued growth. As the YLA program moves forward, applications for the 2024 program are now open, providing even more students with the opportunity to become engaged in their communities.

Applications open now. Apply by November 10: www.sacog.org/youth