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 will 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.  

Timeline / Key Dates 

• Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 – Application Period Opens
• Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, by 5 pm – Applications are Due
• Dec. 1-19, 2025 – Application Evaluation
• Jan. 5-6, 2026 – Applicants Notified of Selection
• January 2026 to May 2026 at fourth Thursdays 3 pm to 5 pm – Program Sessions
• Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 10:30 am to 1:30 pm – Final Session (in-person) at SCAG’s Los Angeles Office 

Curriculum Topics May Include: 

• 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 Will 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 by Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, by 5pm. 

Application Process 

1. Submit an application by the deadline.
2. Applicants may be invited to an interview after application review.
3. Selected applicants will be notified and must sign a participation agreement. 

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. 

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 PM	Online
February	Feb 26	3:00 – 5:00 PM	Online
March	Mar 26	3:00 – 5:00 PM	Online
April	Apr 23	3:00 – 5:00 PM	Online
May	May 21	3:00 – 5:00 PM	Online
June	June 18	10:30 AM – 1:30 PM	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. 

Review the FAQ to view full device requirements 

Application Information Sessions 

Interested applicants are encouraged to attend one of the virtual information sessions hosted by SCAG.  

Session 1: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, 3:30pm-5:00pm 

Session 2: Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, 10:00am-11:30am 

REGISTER

Questions? 

Register to meet with one of our team members to discuss your questions, click the link below to schedule a 20-minute session.  

Interested in applying or partnering with us? 
Email us at: futureleaders@scag.ca.gov 

Ready to Lead? 
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