My primary reason for creating the Monterey County Young Supervisors Program in 2017 was to develop the next generation of leaders in county government. I wanted a way to use my chosen position to provide growth opportunities for young people in Salinas and the surrounding area. Develop leadership, problem-solving, critical thinking, and networking skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the critical role county government plays in providing essential services to residents and businesses.
Although my Young Supervisors Program was the first of its kind at the county supervisor level in California, I previously worked with the California State Legislature since 2011 while I managed a similar program that was called the Young Parliamentarians Program.
We wanted to take advantage of the summer when local high school students are looking for opportunities to build their resumes, gain experience, enrich their high school community service hours, and make the most of their time outside of school. So I created his unique four-week program for high school students and college freshmen and sophomores.
Participants will participate in an initial two-day leadership development training to hone and learn leadership skills. We will also hear from a variety of speakers on topics such as media, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, the role of law enforcement, and opportunities to serve the county. government.
Students will also visit Colton Hall in Monterey, where the California Constitutional Convention met in 1849 and petitioned for California to become the 31st state of the Union. A highlight of the program is taking students to the Monterey Bay Aquarium to learn about the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, sustainable fishing, and ocean conservation, and then take a whale watching tour. Despite growing up in coastal counties, most of the young participants have never been to the waters of Monterey Bay.
The program's main project is to have participants research hot policy topics and then conduct mock legislative hearings in the Supervisory Chamber, arguing both sides of the issue. These topics are often controversial, such as farmworker housing projects, homeless navigation centers, and ocean plastic pollution, which are later voted on by the Board of Supervisors. As part of the final graduation ceremony, a hearing will be held in front of parents and family members.
By completing the program, my office helps students, often from low-income families, strengthen their resumes and provide letters of recommendation as they prepare to apply to colleges and scholarships. We also aim to empower. and other students across the state. This unique program helps them stand out among other programs. We also provide letters tailored to any program they request. We also provide job placement for future employment opportunities and connect with them as they transfer to community colleges, universities, graduate schools, and professional schools.
Above all, I want to spark an interest in these young people to become civically active and participate in democratic processes and decision-making in their communities. If we are not developing the next generation of leaders in our county, we will be missing out on a huge part of solving tomorrow's biggest challenges.
Over the years, over 250 students have participated in my program. Some have graduated from prestigious universities such as Stanford, Harvard, UC Berkeley, UCLA, West Point, and many others. Today, most of our graduates are young professionals, some working in state and local government, law firms, and others returning to their counties to serve their communities in other important ways. .
Overall, the program has received positive reviews from the community, especially parents and families who appreciate the close connection their children have with their county superintendent. I am proud that my younger brothers who are graduates also participate in my program.
Of all the accomplishments I have achieved in my 16 years as a politician, the one I cherish most is helping to uplift and inspire young people and using my office to empower them. It has contributed to providing many opportunities. Hopefully, some of them will one day run for office and become California's next generation of leaders.
If you have a young person interested in applying to my 2024 Young Supervisors Program, please contact my office by June 20th at (831) 755-5011 or email District1@co.monterey.ca.us please.
Luis A. Alejo is the Monterey County Supervisor for District 1, which represents most of the Salinas city limits.
