How to Apply

Applications for Cohort XXXI are NOW CLOSED

Ventura County Leadership Academy will be accepting applications for Cohort XXXII, beginning in January of 2026. Please review the dates below and mark your calendar to check back to this page in January, 2026.

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)
Click Here to View the Members of Cohort XXXI and View Session Dates

There is a $60 application fee per person. A 25-minute interview will be held in various cities throughout the county in June of 2026 for each qualifying applicant.
Once you are accepted into the VCLA, a tuition of $2,500 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.

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 16, 2025 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, a tuition of $2,500 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 NOW!