The Future Leaders Initiative is a six-month civic leadership program that helps emerging professionals build the knowledge, skills, and connections to engage in regional planning and civic decision-making. The program brings together diverse individuals who want to learn how regional and local governments work together to address complex challenges and create long-term change in Southern California.
The program is designed for anyone interested in learning more about civic leadership, regional planning, public policy, and community engagement. No prior experience in these areas is required. SCAG encourages young adults interested in civic leadership and regional planning to apply, regardless of experience or professional background.
Participants will take part in workshops, talk with planning experts and elected officials, visit sites, and collaborate on group activities. These experiences help them better understand planning, public policy, and the key issues affecting Southern California’s future.
What You’ll Gain
- Learn about regional issues such as transportation, housing, and sustainability.
- Build civic leadership skills and grow professional networks.
- Collaborate with schools, agencies, and community groups for real-world learning.
- Help shape the development of the Connect SoCal 2050 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy.
The second Future Leaders cohort will participate in six sessions over a six-month period. Sessions one and six will be held in-person at SCAG’s Downtown, Los Angeles office, with the remaining four sessions being held virtually. Participants in the Future Leaders Program must be 18 years of age upon commencement of the program on Jan. 28, 2027.
All applications must be submitted using the official application form and received by the deadline: Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 5 p.m.
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What to Expect
Final participants will be notified and must sign a participation agreement. Selection is based on your interest in civic engagement, leadership development, and commitment to relationship building and collaboration—no prior experience in these areas is required.
Applicants are encouraged to review the program charter.
Applicants not selected will also be notified and encouraged to reapply for future cohorts.
Timeline/Key Dates
- Tuesday, Sept. 15 – Application Period Opens
- Tuesday, Oct. 6 – Application Workshop
- Thursday, Oct. 8 – Application Workshop
- Tuesday, Oct. 27 by 5 p.m. – Applications are Due
- Oct. 28 – Dec. 1 – Application Evaluation
- Dec. 10-17 – Applicants Notified of Selection
- January 2027 to June 2027 – Program Sessions
Participant Support
- $500 stipend awarded after successful program completion. We understand that emergencies can arise. Participants must complete four of the six sessions to be eligible for the stipend.
- Reimbursement for approved travel, hotel, and parking if attending in-person sessions.
- All applicants will need to submit a W-9 form. After payments are made to participants, SCAG will issue a Form 1099.
| DATE | TIME | FORMAT |
|---|
| Jan. 28, 2027 | 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | In-Person @ SCAG Headquarters in Downtown Los Angeles. |
| Feb. 25, 2027 | 3 – 5 p.m. | Online |
| March 25, 2027 | 3 – 5 p.m. | Online |
| April 29, 2027 | 3 – 5 p.m. | Online |
| May 27, 2027 | 3 – 5 p.m. | Online |
| June 17, 2027 | 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | In-Person @ SCAG headquarters in Downtown Los Angeles. |
General Information
SCAG’s Future Leaders Initiative is a six-month civic leadership program for individuals interested in building an understanding of regional and local government collaboration toward long term change and impact. The program is open to applicants in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, or Imperial counties between the ages of 18-26. The Future Leaders cohort will meet online once per month for six months, with the final session in person at SCAG’s downtown Los Angeles office. Participants are encouraged to review the program website and program charter for program details.
- How many participants will be selected?
Up to 24, with at least two members from each county (pending application submissions).
- What will I learn?
Participants will explore topics such as community planning, Connect SoCal, land use and transportation, equity and sustainability, policy and advocacy, and changemaking. Participants will also engage in activities to develop skills in collaboration, leadership, and advocacy.
- Is there compensation?
Yes. Participants receive a $500 stipend upon completion and reimbursement for eligible travel expenses (e.g., mileage rates, hotel costs). Travel expenses incurred by participants for any in-person meetings will be reimbursed subject to SCAG’s Travel and Business Meal Expense Policy.
- What technology do I need to be able to fully participate?
Virtual meetings will be held on Microsoft Teams and/or Zoom. Participants do not need a Teams license to join meetings.
Internet Requirements
- Participants must provide their own internet service from a reputable provider.
- Minimum speeds: 10 Mbps download / 1 Mbps upload.
- Acceptable connection types: DSL, cable, fiber-optic, satellite, or 5G home internet.
- Hotspots and mobile phone tethering are not acceptable, even if they meet speed requirements.
Program Structure & Commitment
- What if I cannot attend a meeting?
Active participation is expected. Missing more than two sessions will impact eligibility for the stipend and program completion.
- How much time outside of the scheduled meetings should I expect to dedicate to the program?
In total, participants should expect a time commitment of four to six hours per month, which includes monthly meetings.
- What if I cannot complete the program?
We ask all participants to commit fully to the six-month program. If a participant anticipates a conflict with a session, please communicate with SCAG staff to explore opportunities to address the absence and maintain participation.
- How flexible is the program for participants with commitments related to work, school, or caregiving?
Program participation constitutes full-time engagement during the dedicated sessions. The program will involve minimal commitments or expectations for participants’ time between sessions. Sessions are scheduled at consistent times to allow participants to plan ahead to minimize conflicts.
Selection & Equity
- What criteria carry the most weight in the selection process?
Selection criteria will value demonstrated interest in civic engagement and community leadership, openness to learning, and the ability to work collaboratively. SCAG is not looking for applicants with professional experience, but those who are ready to grow and contribute, with a vision for leadership development.
- How will participants be selected if more than 24 apply?
Applications will be reviewed with an emphasis on interest in civic engagement, leadership potential, and geographic representation. SCAG especially encourages applicants from historically underrepresented communities, rural areas, and those who might not have had prior access to leadership or leadership training opportunities.
Impact & Outcomes
- Is this program academic or does it lead to school credit?
No, this is not a for-credit academic program. However, participants will gain professional experience, build tangible skills in community leadership, connect with elected officials and local leaders, and earn a certificate of completion that can strengthen résumés and future academic, organizational, or employment applications.
- What measurable outcomes does SCAG expect from this program?
SCAG expects participants to gain stronger leadership skills, deeper knowledge of planning, and expanded professional networks from the program. SCAG benefits by engaging young adults and communities historically left out of planning processes.
- Will participants be connected to professional or career opportunities through this program?
The initiative is designed to expand participants’ leadership growth and professional networks. SCAG cannot guarantee subsequent mentorship, internship, volunteer, or employment opportunities.
- Will there be opportunities to continue engagement with the cohort or SCAG after the program ends?
Yes. Participants will be encouraged to stay connected with SCAG, future cohorts, and partner organizations through alumni opportunities, events, and regional initiatives.
Bigger Picture
- What makes this program different from other leadership programs for young or emerging leaders?
The SCAG Future Leaders Initiative focuses specifically on the intersecting issues of regional planning, civic leadership, and community change in Southern California. Unlike many leadership programs, the Future Leaders Initiative is compensated, accessible, and designed to reduce barriers for young adults across the Southern California region. The program brings together professional development, policy education, and real-world engagement with SCAG, the nation's largest metropolitan planning organization.
- What kind of projects or activities will participants engage with?
Participants will engage in discussions, skill-building workshops, and collaborative activities. Sessions may include engagement with case studies, planning exercises, or presentations from local leaders.
