How to Apply

Applications for Cohort XXXII Are OPEN

Ventura County Leadership Academy is now accepting applications for Cohort XXXII, beginning in September of 2026.

Applications are now being accepted for VCLA's Cohort XXXII.  Applications are open until Friday, May 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.  There is a $60 application fee per person.

Once the application window closes, in-person interviews will be held over the month of June in various cities throughout the county with each qualifying applicant.  These informal, 25-minute interviews allow each applicant to share a little about themselves and ask any questions to our Executive Director and members of our alumni network, who volunteer to serve as panel interviewers.

If you are accepted into VCLA, a tuition of $2,850 must be paid before the start of the program.  Additional costs (travel, hotel, meals) for the Sacramento session in February are not included in the tuition costs and must be paid separately, either individually or through your employer.

Scholarships are available through our Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and can be applied for at the end of the application process.  Payment plans are also available for the convenience of our participants.

Learn more by attending a Recruitment Mixer in March.  Alumni and Board Members will be available to answer questions, highlight what they gained, and explain how VCLA has enhanced their lives.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please reach out to VCLA's Executive Director Pattie Braga at PBraga@VCLeadership.org or 805-253-2683.

Click Here to Apply to Cohort XXXII Now

VCLA Cohort XXXII Dates (2026-27)

  • Orientation Session (Via Zoom) - September 10, 2026 (Thurs @ 5:30)
  • First Session - September 18, 2026
  • Second Session - October 15, 2026 (Thurs)
  • Third Session - November 13, 2026
  • Fourth Session - December 11, 2026
  • Fifth Session - January 15, 2027
  • Sixth Session - February 12, 2027
  • Seventh Session - Sacramento Trip – Feb 28 - March 2, 2027 (Sun-Tues)
  • Eighth Session - March 26, 2027
  • Ninth Session - April 16, 2027
  • Tenth Session - May 7, 2027
  • Graduation - May 13, 2027 (Thurs eve)

Ventura County Leadership Academy connects and cultivates a diverse network of passionate, capable leaders through an immersion in both critical issues shaping Ventura County and opportunities for personal and professional growth. VCLA’s comprehensive program ignites awareness and inspiration, helping cohort members discover their individual pathway toward impacting our region.

Specific objectives of Ventura County Leadership Academy are:

CREATE

a leadership development program incorporating, business, social services, education, community, government, and cultural issues throughout Ventura County;

BROADEN

the awareness, understanding and appreciation of a variety of critical issues affecting life in Ventura County, through contacts with community leaders, and participation in workshops, field studies, and related programs.

PROMOTE

the inclusion of diverse groups of individuals;

What to Expect as a VCLA Participant

A unique and engaging experience, Ventura County Leadership Academy brings an unmatched depth of knowledge and local leadership perspective. This program includes:

  • Ten Focus Sessions
    Topics such as p    ublic safety, social services & healthcare, local government & the legislative process, education, housing & transportation, water & agriculture, economics, arts & culture, environment, infrastructure, and more.
  • Cohort Ice-Breakers and Community Building
    Get to know your fellow Cohort members
  • Leadership Training
  • Community Explorations
    Cohorts are divided into small groups and assigned a community to explore
  • Trip to Sacramento
  • Get Togethers with Cohort and Alumni
    Optional monthly happy hours and annual mixers
  • Graduation Ceremony
    Including certificates of commendation on behalf of VCLA and numerous elected officials

What is expected of you?

Each person who participates in the VCLA brings unique and valuable knowledge, skills, and experience to discussions about our community.  With that in mind, during the time you spend in VCLA sessions, we ask that you:

  • Participate at monthly focus sessions –  Be present and engage in active listening, and consider ideas from different perspectives.  Be open to your blind spots and mindful of the intersectionality of privilege and disadvantage.  Discuss & ask questions of presenters utilizing the "VCLA introduction", and approach challenges from a place of curiosity.
  • Attendance -  Honor time commitments. Each VCLA session is packed with opportunities to learn, engage with our speakers and cohort members.  Because of this, VCLA limits the number of absences to two (2) sessions throughout the program.  Please refer to the session dates before you apply, as should you miss a combined total of more than two sessions, you will not graduate with your cohort.
  • Engage with other cohort members throughout the year. Previous alumni have gone on to organize service projects or volunteer together as a team.

There is a $60 application fee and all applications are due by Friday, May 15, 2026 at 5:00 pm. A 25-minute interview will be held in various cities throughout the county in June of 2025 for each qualifying applicant.

Once you are accepted into the VCLA, tuition is due before the start of the program.  Additional costs (travel, hotel, meals) for the Sacramento session in February are not included in the tuition costs and must be paid individually.

Scholarships are available through our Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and can be applied for once a person is accepted into the program.

Apply to VCLA Cohort XXXII Now