Alameda County Youth Leadership Academy

Educate - Communicate - Collaborate

The Alameda County Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) is a free, award-winning program that gives high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to learn about and discuss County programs and services, develop leadership skills and meet students from schools throughout Alameda County.

The program is facilitated by staff from the County Administrator's Office and each class is hosted by different County agencies/departments. At each session, management staff, department heads, or elected officials make presentations and facilitate group discussions regarding the role and programs offered by the hosting departments as well as incorporate role playing and group exercises so that participants can apply what they have learned.

The Academy consists of five 3-hour Saturday morning sessions (9 am - noon) that focus on different aspects of County services such as Heath Care, Social Services, Public Protection, Sustainability and Careers. Each session provides a forum for participants to learn, speak out and be heard about issues that affect youth and the communities they live in.

Each of the five sessions of the Academy is held at different County locations. The 2012/13 Youth Leadership Academy will be held from October 2012 to February 2013 on the following dates:

Saturday, 10/20/12
Saturday, 11/17/12
Saturday, 12/15/12
Saturday, 01/12/13
Saturday, 02/02/13

To be eligible, applicants must be a high school junior or senior at a school within Alameda County AND reside in Alameda County.

**Applications will be accepted 09/05/12 - 09/28/12, or until all Academy slots have been filled. To apply online, click the "application" tab above.

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis, with consideration given to geographic location. This will ensure representation of all five supervisorial districts.