Mission Statement
The City of Oxnard’s Youth Academy equips youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage in civic leadership and public service.
Objective
To expose City of Oxnard youth to Public Service and prepare the next generation to shape impactful policies for their neighborhoods and community.
Youth Academy Outcomes
Youth Participants will:
- Understand civic engagement, advocacy, and how they can influence policy change.
- Develop leadership skills for civic engagement and community advocacy.
- Receive an introduction to future roles in public service, law, or community leadership.
- Complete a cooperative learning project and/or policy proposal addressing community issues.
- By the end of the Summer Academy, understand the landscape of local government and the departments that keep the City running.
How Do I Apply?
Download the Youth Academy Pack
The Youth Academy packet includes a Code of Conduct form, Minor Release form, and Waiver of Communicable Diseases form. All 3 forms must be filled out and submitted either through the form below or brought to the Recreation & Community Services offices.
Youth Academy Packet – English
499.97 KB PDF | Updated 05/12/25
Youth Academy Packet – Spanish
475.13 KB PDF | Updated 05/12/25
You may also download a PDF version of the application and submit it with your Youth Academy packet at the Recreation & Community Services offices.
Youth Academy Application
105.78 KB PDF | Updated 05/12/25
Summer 2025 Schedule
The program sessions will be held on Thursdays from 9am – 1pm (June 19th – July 31st) except for the final presentations which will be in the evening on Friday, August 1st.
Session 1
June 19th
Orientation: Overview of Youth Academy
- Academy Summer Schedule + Expectations
- Introductions – City Council Members and Mayor
- Overview of Summer Sessions
- City Manager presentation
- Group cohesion and problem solving
Session 2
June 26th
Training #1: Overview of Local Government
- Highlight what is in the jurisdiction of the City of Oxnard
- Structure of City Council & Mayor
- Discuss Issue-Based Areas
- Environmental, Socioeconomic
Training #2: Intro to Legislative Meeting Management
- Introduction to the Brown Act/Open Meetings Law
- Standing Rules/Bylaws
- Transparency and Public Records Requests
Session 3
July 3rd
Training #3: Introduction to Roberts Rules of Order / Parliamentarian / Decorum by the City Attorney’s Office
- Mock City Council Meeting
- Selection of Issue Focus
Session 4
July 10th
Public Works
Plans, designs, constructs, operates, and maintains the City’s infrastructure, and ensures the safe and reliable delivery of the City’s utility services.
- ER/MRF
- Wastewater
- AWPF
Session 5
July 17th
Community Development
Safely guides the growth in our City through planning, building, development and engineering – creating opportunities for everyone to live, work, and visit Oxnard.
Cultural & Community Services
Provides recreational, art, cultural, and community-focused experiences and services to all Oxnard community members.
Session 6
July 24th
Economic Development
Housing
Provides decent, safe, attractive, sanitary, and well-maintained housing for eligible low and very low-income families in a manner that promotes commitment, exemplary customer service, economy, efficiency and the social well-being of the residents.
Session 7
July 31st
Police
Fire Department
Serves the community by protecting life, property, and the environment through prevention, community outreach, medical response and fire service.
Final group planning and practice for project presentations
Internal group closure and recognition
Evening
August 1st
Presentation of Projects & Closure
Program Contact
Paulina Cordoba
[email protected]
805.385.7995