Statewide Leadership Conference

The Statewide Leadership Conference brings 120 high school students from throughout California together for a week-long, intensive leadership program. During the conference, students take part in workshops and seminars that focus on leadership skills, academic preparedness, self-esteem, cultural awareness, and understanding state and local government. Activities include a Legislative Day at the State Capitol with mock hearings and interaction with legislators and legislative staff, Campaign Development Workshops on organizing and running political campaigns, and a College & Careers Day with a college fair and meetings with community college, CSU, UC, and private college recruiters.

• Ages: 15–17 years old
• Schedule: Week-long, intensive leadership program; program dates July 19–25, 2026
• Price: Housing, meals, program materials and transportation to and from the conference are provided at no cost to the participants or their families.

Programming at the Statewide Leadership Conference is based on the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project’s four curriculum “C’s”: Community, Culture, College, and Careers. College representatives, admissions staff, and financial aid experts share information on how to apply for and succeed in college, and students also get exposure to various professional careers. Students then use campaign development skills at school for class and student body elections. Participants leave with information and tools they can begin using when they return to school in the fall, as well as new friendships from throughout California. Transportation to and from Sacramento is provided by the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project (CLYLP), and students must be able to attend the entire conference week with no exceptions.

Since its inception in 1982, the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project has offered this conference in Sacramento. The mission of CLYLP is to enhance and further develop the leadership potential of California’s youth as they prepare to become future leaders of the state and nation. To be eligible to apply, students must be enrolled in a California high school for the 2025–2026 academic year, be in 10th or 11th grade, and not have previously participated in the Statewide Leadership Conference. Students who previously attended a CLYLP Institute as a sophomore may apply to the Statewide Leadership Conference as a junior. The Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project, Inc. states that it does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or age in its programs or activities.

Last updated March 10, 2026.