Twelve students from Aptos, Watsonville and Pajaro Valley high schools and Ceiba College Prep have successfully completed Class 3 of the Santa Cruz County Young Supervisors Academy, a first-of-its-kind leadership program founded by Supervisor Felipe Hernandez and his staff to introduce youth to the inner workings of local government and public service.
The academy was designed to give the students the opportunity to explore the tools needed to shape a more equitable, resilient and inclusive community. Over the course of 2½ weeks, they participated in leadership development workshops, toured county and community facilities, met with elected leaders and department staff and engaged in hands-on learning through field visits and policy simulations.
“Programs like the Young Supervisors Academy show our youth that they can make a difference in Santa Cruz County and beyond,” Hernandez said in a county news release. This year’s young supervisors were Jennifer Martinez-Gonzalez, Yasmin Genis-Ramirez, Gabriel Olivera, Maria G. Garcia Mendoza, Yaretzi Rodriguez-Marin, Esau Villalpando-Lariz, Emely Hernandez-Herrera, Daniela Hernandez-Herrera, Ernesto Martinez, Gabriella Garcia, Mitzel L. Dodge Rocha and Emma Orejel.
Participants also took part in a mock Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors hearing focused on current issues including homelessness and a proposed tiny homes project in Watsonville. The mock hearing was held before an audience of family, mentors, county officials and community leaders, and the experience gave students a chance to research, deliberate and advocate on complex policy matters that impact real county lives. Each student received a certificate of recognition and a personalized letter of recommendation honoring their contributions and commitment.
For more information about the Young Supervisors Academy, contact the office of Supervisor Felipe Hernandez at 831-454-2200.
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