How to Apply

Become a part of a diverse network of leaders working to make Ventura County even better

The application process for the 2021/2022 (Cohort XXVII) Ventura County Leadership Academy will begin again in February 2021.  

There is a $25 application fee and all applications are due by Friday, May 14th at 5:00pm.
Interviews are held in June of 2021. Once accepted into the VCLA program, a tution of $2,000 is due. Additional costs for the Sacramento sessions in February will be required.

Pay $25 Application Fee Here

What can you expect from participating in VCLA?

  • Ten focus sessions, including a trip to Sacramento.  Topics may include (but not limited to):
    • Public Safety
    • Social Services & Healthcare
    • Local Government & the Legislative Process
    • Education
    • Housing & Transportation
    • Water & Agriculture
    • Economics
    • Arts & Culture
    • Environment
    • Infrastructure
  • Leadership Training
  • Community Explorations - Cohorts are divided into small groups & assigned a community to explore, then report back to the full Cohort
  • Immersion Activity 
  • Get Togethers with Cohort and Alumni – optional monthly happy hours and annual mixers
  • Cohort Ice-Breakers and Community Building - get to know your fellow Cohort members
  • Graduation Ceremony - Attended by family, friends, alumni with certificates of commendation on behalf of VCLA and numerous elected officials

What is expected from you?

  • Attendance - We have a strict attendance policy.  You are allowed 2 absences (including graduation and half days) throughout the program.  Should you miss a combined total of more than 2 sessions, you will not graduate with your cohort.  Any absences should be communicated in advance (if possible) to the VCLA Director.  Please communicate and coordinate in advance with your employer and/or consider any other obligations you may have that may affect your participation.
  • Engagement with other Cohort members.  Previous alumni have gone on to organize service projects or volunteer together as a team
  • Participation at monthly focus sessions – Use the VCLA introduction, discuss & ask questions of presenters, and be present in session exercises and group activities
  • Immersion in Ventura County - Completion of an immersion activity


Cohort XXVII Dates (2021-2022) 

Cohort Connection – September 8th, 2021 (via Zoom)

Cohort Mixer - September 9, 2021 (Thurs eve) (does not count for overall attendance)

First Session - September 17, 2021

Second Session - October 7, 2021 (Thurs)

Third Session - November 12, 2021

Fourth Session - December 3, 2021

Fifth Session - January 7, 2022

Sixth Session - February 4, 2022

Seventh Session - Sacramento – February 20-22, 2022 (Sun-Tues)

Eighth Session - March 18, 2022

Ninth Session - April 8, 2022

Tenth Session - May 6, 2022

Graduation - May 12, 2022 (Thurs eve)


email: info@VCLeadership.org
phone: 805-253-2683