Youth

Overview September 11, 2018

The goal of the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) is to bridge the gap between youth and the leaders of today. The program also provides students from across the region the opportunity to learn about local and regional government, planning, civic engagement, promote careers in the public sector, and aid in their professional development.

During the first year of the program, students had the opportunity to hear from local and state elected officials from across the region. They visited unique locations, such as the Sacramento International Airport and the Pacific Coast Producer’s tomato processing plant and participated in thorough discussions regarding autonomous vehicles, environmental concerns, transportation, and economic development. Students also worked on a final project, modeled after the design-thinking process within SACOG’s Civic Lab, and identified a local issue in their community and determined a solution – with some students invited to present at their local city councils.

The YLA launched in early 2018, under the leadership of then board chair Jay Schenirer, after the SACOG board of directors discussed the missing connection between current regional planning and the youth who will be impacted by today’s policy decisions. After securing private funding, the SACOG board unanimously approved staff to launch the SACOG Youth Leadership Academy. SACOG partnered with the non-profit PRO Youth & Families to create and execute the program.

News July 24, 2019

The 2019 graduating class from the Youth Leadership Academy.

First Class of Youth Leadership Academy Graduates
SACOG’s leadership development program opens eyes to service and advocacy

July 24, 2019: The first class of the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) has officially graduated. On June 15, students, staff, and families and friends came together at the West Sacramento Community Center to see the students’ final presentations and celebrate the completion of the program.

Post March 27, 2019

YLA reaches half-way mark
Future leaders continue to learn about regional issues

The Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) is officially at its half-way point. Over the last three months, students have learned about civic engagement, planning, and transportation, with several more topics and final projects still in store. To date, students have visited downtown Sacramento, Rocklin, Davis, and Woodland.

Post January 30, 2019

Youth Leadership Academy Launches
Region’s future leaders get a taste of civic engagement

January 29, 2019: SACOG’s Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) kicked off on January 26 with 29 high-school students from across the six-county region. This first training introduced the program to students, discussed civic engagement and SACOG’s core functions, included presentations and activities, and ended with a tour of the California State Capitol Museum.