Youth Leadership Academy: Building Future Civic Leaders

Program Overview (Summer 2025)

From –, thirteen Orange County youth (ages 14–18) explored community research, civic engagement, and leadership development. Facilitated by Dr. Dawn X. Henderson (WeClaim Research, LLC), the Academy expanded our pilot Youth Power Building model into a sustainable strategy for youth-driven decision-making across Orange County and beyond.

Key Activities and Highlights

  • Curriculum co-creation: Youth shaped leadership modules and co-developed program expectations.
  • Hands-on sessions: Interactive workshops on Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) and community mapping.
  • Youth-led project planning: Participants designed actionable recommendations to address challenges facing young people in Orange County.
  • Peer presentations: Final-day proposals to County leaders sparked new commitments to youth-driven initiatives.

Outcomes and Impact

  • 13 youth participants engaged in leadership development.
  • 3 interns supported program delivery and evaluation.
  • 2 volunteers contributed to facilitation and session design.
  • 1 strategy document aligned youth engagement with countywide goals.
  • 100% of participants reported increased confidence in civic leadership (pre/post survey).

Next Steps and How to Stay Involved

We are committed to deepening our relationship with Orange County youth through continued listening, collaboration, and shared leadership.