June 26 – 29, 2012
University of California at Davis
Davis, California
Tuition: $495

Join us for the JSA California Institute on Leadership and Politics.  You will stay on campus at the University of California at Davis and will explore the excitement of Golden State politics in the state capitol during the day.  You will learn about the challenges facing California political leaders, meet the politicians and powerbrokers that make important decisions and gain valuable leadership skills so that you can make a difference with the issues that impact your life.

A high-level speakers program will allow you to meet and question top political players in an open environment where you can ask the pressing questions of the day such as: Has California become ungovernable?  How can we improve education and ensure good outcomes for all students? How will changes to immigration policy impact the citizens of California?  What is the solution to balancing the state budget?

Debates, simulations and other activities will give you the chance to voice your opinions, work with others and learn from your peers in a tolerant atmosphere.  These highly interactive projects allow students to leverage the information the get from the speakers program to find common ground on solutions to the challenges that face our state and communities.  You will improve your leadership and public speaking skills as well as learn more about the politics, policies and people that govern California.

Topics to be explored include:

• California in Crisis: How Do We Balance the Budget?
• Immigration and Its Impact
• The New Politics of Energy and the Environment
• Education in the Golden State:  A Report Card
• The Governor, The Legislature and Special Interest Groups – Who is really in charge?
• Crime and Punishment in California