SALINAS >> High school and first-year college students interested in learning about the legislative process can now apply to participate in the Young Supervisors Program.

The program, championed by Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo, focuses on developing leadership skills and teaching students about civic participation. Alejo first began the program during his time in the state legislature to help mentor Salinas youth and inform them about local issues.

“Above all else, I hope to spark an interest in these young adults about becoming civically engaged and take part in the democratic process and decision making in their own communities,” wrote Alejo in a Herald OpEd about the program last year. “If we are not preparing the next generation of leaders in our counties, then we are missing a big part of solving the greatest challenges of tomorrow.”

The four-week program is set to begin July 2 and end July 24. Students will come into the Monterey County Board of Supervisors Government Building for a few hours a week Monday through Thursday. The program is available at no cost to participants and their families.

Participants observe the Supervisors’ board meetings and attend workshops on county government, policy and community organizing. The program will also take students on field trips to the Monterey Bay Aquarium to learn about sustainability and environmental issues, as well as a whale watching tour.

During the program, participants are prompted to research often controversial policy topics and hold mock legislative hearings debating the issue. The hearings are conducted in front of family and community members as part of a graduation ceremony.

At the end of the program, students will have gained communication skills and take part in community service “while illustrating an understanding of the legislative process and the workings of a county supervisor,” said a news release. Students will receive a certificate of recognition as well as a letter of recommendation from Supervisor Alejo.

Formerly known as the Young Assembleymembers Program, the initiative was originally created in 2011 during Alejo’s six years in the legislature. Over the years, more than 250 students have completed both programs and many of them have gone on to attend universities like UC Berkeley and Stanford University, according to the news release.

The application form is due June 20 and can be found at https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/139641 Applications can be turned in at the Supervisors District Office, located at 168 W. Alisal Street, Second Floor, Salinas, CA 93901 or by email at GomezJ@countyofmonterey.gov.