Future Leaders Initiative
What Is the Future Leaders Initiative?
The Future Leaders Initiative is a dynamic six-month civic leadership pilot program offered by SCAG for young Southern Californians interested in learning how regional and local governments collaborate for long-term change. The Future Leaders Initiative prepares the next generation to shape the future of the region.
Southern California residents between 18-26 years old looking to build leadership skills and policy expertise while connecting with elected officials, planning professionals, and peers across Southern California, are encouraged to apply.
Participants attend monthly interactive online sessions led by regional experts, thought leaders, and SCAG staff, exploring planning, policy, collaboration, and advocacy. The cohort will primarily meet online before meeting in person at SCAG’s downtown Los Angeles office for the final session.
Program Goals
- Educate on key regional issues like transportation, housing, and sustainability.
- Build civic leadership skills and grow professional networks.
- Partner with schools, agencies, and community groups for real-world learning.
- Elevate young voices in planning and development of the Connect SoCal 2050 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy.
Curriculum Topics
- Community Planning 101: The role of cities and local jurisdictions
- Connect SoCal and Regional Planning: What is it and what is SCAG? Connections between long-range planning and local communities and neighborhoods.
- Intersectional Issues: The relationship between land use, transportation, public health, sustainable development, equity, and justice
- Policy development and advocacy: Knowledge and skill-building
- Changemaking: From planning to implementation.
What Participants Gain
- Real-world knowledge of civic systems.
- Training in communication, problem-solving, and advocacy.
- Access to professional development resources and regional leaders.
- Relationship building with a cohort of peers across the region, representing all six counties in Southern California.
- An opportunity to make your voice heard in shaping future plans.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be 18-26 years old
- Reside in the SCAG region (Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura counties)
- Be passionate about community, leadership development, and change-making
- Complete a program application.
- Application Process
Selection is based on your interest in civic engagement, leadership development and commitment to relationship building and collaboration—not resume, education, nor job title.
Applicants are encouraged to review the program charter.
The application period for this program has closed. A second cohort is under consideration for fall 2026.
- Compensation
- $500 stipend awarded after successful program completion. We understand that emergencies can arise. Participants must complete four of the six sessions to be eligible for the stipend.
- Reimbursement for approved travel, hotel, and parking if attending in-person sessions
- All applicants will need to submit a W-9 form. After payments are made to participants, SCAG will issue a Form 1099.
- Meeting Schedule
MONTH DATE TIME FORMAT January Jan. 22 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Online February Feb. 26 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Online March Mar. 26 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Online April April 23 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Online May May 21 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Online June June 18 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. In-Person @ SCAG headquarters in downtown Los Angeles. Participants are encouraged to have their camera on during virtual meetings.
- Technology Requirements
To join virtual sessions, you’ll need:
- Reliable high-speed internet.
- A Windows or macOS laptop with camera, mic, and speakers.
Interested in applying or partnering with us?
Email us at: futureleaders@scag.ca.gov
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