The Office of Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe is pleased to announce the launch of a new Summer Youth Academy (Academy) for high school students who will be seniors in the 2025-2026 school year. The Academy will bring together ten rising seniors to engage with local government and advocate for solutions to community issues. The Academy will begin on June 16, 2025, and conclude on June 27, 2025.

During this two-week period, students will work in teams to address a local county issue, develop possible solutions, and draft a mock board letter to advocate for their ideas. In addition to learning how to draft a board letter, students will also learn how to effectively engage and communicate with the public. Students will also observe a live San Diego County Board of Supervisors meeting. At the conclusion of the Academy, students will present their mock board letter, communications strategy, and community engagement plan to Supervisor Montgomery Steppe.

Application Details:

  • Applications are due by 5:00PM on Friday, April 18, 2025. 
  • Selected students will be notified by Friday, May 2, 2025.
  • The Summer Academy will be held at the County Administration Center (1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101).
  • Students must plan to attend from 8:30AM to 3:00PM each day.
  • Lunch will be provided throughout the Summer Academy. 

 

Note: This is a lengthy application and does not save your answers. We recommend saving the questions, writing your answers in a Word document, and copying and pasting them into the application when you are ready to submit. If you have any questions about the application, please reach out to Lisa Christensen at Lisa.Christensen@sdcounty.ca.gov or 619-531-5872. 

Student Information

Race/Ethnicity
What is the best way to contact you? *

Parent/Guardian Contact Information 

 Academic Information

What is your anticipated high school graduation year? *

Short Essay/Questionnaire

The following questions are designed to help us learn more about you—there are no right or wrong answers. Please respond authentically, sharing your experiences and qualifications. For each of the three questions below, answer and explain why the Summer Youth Academy should select you as a participant. The selection committee observes these personal statements carefully, so answer all three questions thoughtfully. (250 word limit) 

Are you a participant in any of the following organizations? If not, please select 'No Program Affiliation'. *
How did you hear about our program? *
If accepted, are you available to attend the whole two weeks, from June 16 through June 27, from 8:30 AM to 3 PM (except for the Juneteenth Federal Holiday on June 19)? *

Contact Us

County Administration Center
1600 Pacific Highway, Rm 335
San Diego, CA, 92101


Phone:
619.531.5544

Email:
Monica.MontgomerySteppe@sdcounty.ca.gov

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