We are thrilled to announce the CA FWD Young Leaders Program (YLP), which aims to build on the rich history of its predecessor, the Young Leaders Advisory Council, where youth voices played a crucial role in shaping key initiatives and advocating for change. One standout example was the Council’s involvement in the Central Sierra Broadband Roadmap project, where members developed outreach strategies to survey students and seniors, addressing critical gaps in digital equity.
With this type of work as its foundation, the program is evolving, now with a new name and an upgraded approach. The goal of the Young Leaders Program, open to Californians aged 20-25, is to serve as a dynamic platform for leadership, advocacy, and professional development, empowering young leaders to influence policy and drive meaningful impact in their communities.
The program focuses on experiential learning and professional development, offering hands-on training, real-world projects, and career-building opportunities that equip young leaders with the skills to create lasting change. Through interactive workshops, industry collaborations, and immersive experiences, we are committed to fostering the next generation of changemakers.
With the application for the next cohort opening soon, this year’s curriculum highlights intentional skill development in areas such as policy communication and strategic messaging, systems thinking and cross-sector collaboration, as well as public speaking, advocacy, and storytelling to ensure participants can apply their learning in policy spaces and beyond.
One of the most valuable aspects of the program continues to be the quarterly in-person convenings, where participants engage with content knowledge experts aligned with CA FWD’s strategic priorities. These convenings create space for deep discussions, hands-on learning, and real-world applications of leadership skills, particularly in areas such as regional stewardship, climate resilience, energy transition, inclusive economic development, and workforce mobility. Through this systems-level approach, young leaders gain a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping California’s future.
Join us in celebrating this next step in the professional development journey of California’s young leaders!
