The Young Legislators Program offers high school juniors and seniors in the 73rd Assembly District a front row seat to the public policy arena. During the six month program, students will learn to become better advocates on issues they care about, gain valuable leadership skills, and consider future careers in the public and private sector, all free of cost.
Up to 25 students each year will be selected to participate in the Young Legislators Program. The goal of the program is to equip our youth with the skills and knowledge to consider a career in government or public policy. Young Legislators will meet for six monthly sessions from January through June 2026 to learn about the legislative process and leadership development, dynamic careers, and public policy issues involving energy, wildfire preparedness health care, and more.
The program will culminate with an optional all-expenses paid trip to the State Capitol in Sacramento. Sessions will include both in-person meetings and tours.
Learn more about the experience from our 2025 cohort here.
Requirements
- High school juniors or seniors with at least a 2.5 unweighted GPA.
- Must live or attend school in the 73rd Assembly District (Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Tustin).
- Commit to six monthly, two-hour sessions from January to June 2026. Sessions will occur on the 4th Thursday of the month, from approximately 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Selection Criteria
- Must submit official high school transcript (can be requested from school counselor or administration).
- Must complete application form including a short essay (500 words or less) on a public policy issue affecting California and how you think it can be solved.
- Must be able to commit to all scheduled sessions to complete the program, receive an official certificate of recognition, and participate in the optional Sacramento trip.
Admission to the program is highly competitive. Applications due December 10 at 5:00 PM. Notifications will be made to program participants by December 19.