Sacramento, CA – This year, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris proudly launched the inaugural Young Legislators Program, welcoming a cohort of 29 passionate and civic-minded high school students from Costa Mesa, Irvine and Tustin.
“This extraordinary group of young leaders gives me so much hope for the future,” said Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine). “They showed incredible insight, dedication, and compassion—and I’m so proud to have shared this journey with them.”
Over the course of the program, participants explored the inner workings of government, learning how California’s legislative process functions and how public policy shapes our daily lives. Through engaging discussions and hands-on experiences, students gained a deeper understanding of how bills become law and the power of public service.
The cohort heard directly from public officials, community leaders, and policy experts on key issues including healthcare, mental health, homelessness, and public safety. They also learned how journalists, advocates, and lobbyists contribute to shaping policy and informing the public.
The program featured several immersive experiences, including a behind-the-scenes tour of the Orange County Fire Authority where students learned about emergency response and fire safety, and a visit to UCI’s state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Lab to see the impact of innovation in healthcare education.
On June 23, Young Legislators traveled to Sacramento, where they toured the State Capitol, visited the Assembly Floor, and presented bill proposals on the issues they are most passion about, demonstrating their deep engagement and commitment to public service.
The 2025 Young Legislators Program was made possible thanks to the generous support of our community partners — including SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and the City of Costa Mesa for providing meeting space, the Orange County Fire Authority and UC Irvine for offering engaging and educational tours, and the many local officials, advocates, and experts who shared time and knowledge with the next generation of civic leaders.
The Young Legislators Program will return in 2026, with applications opening this fall.