Mentoring a New Generation

Alumnus and State Sen. Lou Correa Brings "Young Senators" to Campus

March 24, 2009

By Pamela McLaren

A group of high school students are learning valuable lessons about leadership, government, community involvement and the importance of education — all skills necessary to reach their dreams and become leaders of tomorrow — thanks to the Young Senators Program created by Sen. Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana), a 1980 Cal State Fullerton alumnus.

This year’s class of Young Senators — about 60 students from throughout Correa’s district — will attend a Saturday, March 28, campus program that will feature panel discussions, a smart class demonstration and a tour of the university.

Correa established the 10-month program last year “to empower local youth with the tools necessary to make a difference in their communities.”

Monthly seminars expose the students to a wide range of issues and subjects, including public speaking and the media, business and the economy, healthcare, gangs, poverty and the environment. Access to Higher Education is the subject of the March 28 program.

The program’s curriculum includes learning how bills become laws, including tracking an actual bill through the state Legislature. To learn more about community service, diverse cultures and communities, as well as how to interact with government offices, local businesses and residents, Young Senators attend community events hosted by Correa’s district office.

In addition, participants serve on a Youth Advisory Council to provide Correa advice on matters important to Orange County’s youth. Capping the program will be a special graduation ceremony this summer.

To participate in the program, applicants must be high school sophomores or juniors, live or attend a school in Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Stanton or Westminster, and have an interest in public service. Applications for the 2010 class will be available this fall. For more information, call 714-558-4400 or check out the program website.