The Young Councilmember Program provides high school students residing in Fresno City District 1 the opportunity to develop leadership skills and strengthen their abilities and talents. Through investments made to The Foundation @ FCOE from partners including PG & E, Comcast, and Fresno Housing, The Young Councilmember Program was established by Councilwoman Esmeralda Soria in 2015.

The program educates and challenges participants in their understanding of community issues that impact their lives and helps prepare them for their educational path and career.These young leaders experience a unique insight on how local and state government functions and how to prepare for a professional career in public or community service. This year’s sessions focused on Public Health with a panel discussion with doctors, nurses, and health educators from Fresno County and UCSF Fresno. Our Arts & Culture mall tour was led by Lilia Gonzáles-Chávez with the Fresno Arts Council. A riveting Tech/Real Estate Tour and discussion with local Bitwise staff. Law Enforcement and Community Policing included tours of Fresno PD’s headquarters followed by a panel discussion with Chief Paco Balderrama and Aaron Foster with Advance Peace. The culminating event was a State Capitol Trip with a visit to Sacramento’s History Museum and a State Capitol Building Tour and a panel discussion.  Participants of the Young Councilmember Program learn many useful tools and information to take into their next chapter of life.