Capitol Focus | Political Discovery | Women in Politics

During these intensive two, three, and four-day programs conducted two times each year, one hundred or more junior high and high school aged youth assemble in Sacramento for sessions with legislators and their staff, executive branch officials, lobbying organizations, the media, and representatives of our justice system. Participants examine, discuss, and then cast their vote on a cross-section of issues actually being considered by lawmakers.

What happens during these programs?
Several times each year, students from throughout the state come to the state capitol for three days of meetings with legislators, executive branch officials, lobbying organizations, the media, and representatives of the justice system. Students examine, discuss, and then cast their "votes" on current public policy issues actually under consideration by lawmakers. They learn how those issues affect their lives, while practicing the analytic skills necessary to learn both sides of a topic.

How do youth benefit?
All of the Civic Education programs inspire enthusiasm for the democratic process, while providing a range of educational opportunities and leadership experiences students often don't get in the classroom. Participants develop an understanding of public policies, public speaking and writing skills, and get training in how to affect social change in their schools, neighborhoods, and local/state government.

Who can attend?
Observers might mistakenly presume that programs in which teenagers study sophisticated public policy or present mock testimony would target only top students from "good" schools. In fact, California Center programs are distinguished by our inclusion of an ethnic, geographic, and economic cross-section of the state's youth population. This includes a diverse group of youth leaders, average students, and those considered "at-risk." This egalitarian approach is based on the notion that teenagers of all backgrounds and aptitudes should be encouraged to participate in the democratic process, and that a healthy exchange of ideas among people from different cultures and economic backgrounds with different perspectives can promote positive human relations.

Want more information?
For more information contact the Eduardo Aguilar at (916) 443-2229 or by email at eaguilar@californiacenter.org.