California Forward
This two-year program is open to California residents ages 20-25 from diverse backgrounds who are committed to building a New California Economy that is resilient, sustainable, and inclusive.
Why Apply?
Professional Development & Career Readiness – Build leadership skills, expand your network, and prepare for impact-driven careers.
Leadership Pathways – Grow within the program. New participants focus on skill-building, while returning members step into leadership and mentorship roles.
Engaging Experience – Participate in virtual sessions, in-person convenings, and self-paced activities focused on regional stewardship, climate resilience, energy transition, inclusive economic development, and workforce mobility.
Be part of a transformative movement to shape the future of California’s economy and communities! Applications accepted until Friday, March 21, 2025.
To attend one of our informational webinars, visit: cafwd.org/events. For questions, reach out to the CA FWD team at ylp@cafwd.org.
Support Young Leaders!
The CA FWD Young Leaders Program (YLP), formerly the Young Leaders Advisory Council, is a two-year program that elevates the next generation of industry, policy, and non-profit leaders.
The importance of broadband is one of the foundational pieces of infrastructure for 21st century California—potential policy changes lay the groundwork for closing the digital divide for good.
CA FWD’s Young Leaders Advisory Council (YLAC) kicked off gatherings around the 2023 California Economic Summit
How CA FWD’s Young Leaders Advisory Council is lifting up youth voices in a California county
Departing co-host takes a look back at the podcast’s conversations aimed at getting young people involved
Six young people discuss their pandemic and quarantine experiences in the Central Valley
In this week’s episode, two Fresno youth share their experiences getting vaccinated while living in an anti-vaccination household
