This week, the second session of the Civic Youth Leadership Academy was hosted at El Pueblo Historic Monument. Topics covered were Mexico’s entwined history with Los Angeles and Mayor Garcetti’s stance on Los Angeles being a sanctuary city for immigrant Angelenos, especially in light of the current political climate in the country. Students also learned about the 1962 Farm Worker Movement and about the 1968 East LA Walkouts. To wrap up, our cohort took a walking tour of El Pueblo, visting the Pico House,Avila Adobe, and Olvera Street. El Pueblo tours are free, open to the public, and a great way to learn about our own living history here in Los Angeles.  Our third session will be held in July, focused on data and utilizing the city’s Open Data platforms to assist in Neighborhood Council projects.

Now in its third year, the Civic Youth Leadership Academy is a summer program hosted by the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment to engage and empower youth in local government. The six-session course will run through August of this year. Check out www.empowerla.org/civicyouth to learn more and reach out to civicyouth@empowerla.org with any questions.