Fresno Young Leaders Academy (FYLA)

Our Mission

To inspire and prepare a diverse group of emerging student leaders who will contribute to their schools and communities today and grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

What is the Fresno Young Leaders Academy?

An Exclusive, Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity.

The Fresno Young Leaders Academy (FYLA) is a premier civic leadership program supported by the City of Fresno, in partnership with the Fresno Chamber of Commerce and the Forward Fresno Foundation.

This is a highly selective, citywide program where only 25 students will be chosen from a citywide pool. FYLA aims to select a diverse cohort representing all 7 City Council Districts to ensure every corner of Fresno has a voice. Best of all, this immersive leadership experience comes at no cost to students.

The Fresno Young Leaders Academy (FYLA) is an immersive leadership program designed to turn local high school students into the next generation of passionate Fresno cheerleaders. Modeled after the prestigious adult Leadership Fresno program, FYLA selects a motivated cohort of young minds each year and equips them with the tools, networks, and civic pride needed to champion the City of Fresno.

The program moves beyond the traditional classroom, offering monthly, interactive sessions that dive deep into the inner workings of our city—from local business innovation to civic advocacy. A major highlight of the experience is an exclusive day trip to Sacramento, giving students a front-row seat to California’s state government and a deeper understanding of how policy impacts our hometown.

True leadership, however, is driven by action. A core pillar of the FYLA experience is a collaborative community project. Cohort members work together to identify a pressing local need, design a sustainable solution, and execute an initiative that leaves a tangible, positive footprint on Fresno. Through this hands-on endeavor, students learn the realities of teamwork, project management, and civic responsibility.

Graduates of FYLA emerge not just as skilled leaders, but as fierce advocates who proudly claim the City of Fresno as their own and carry a lifelong commitment to shaping its future. It is a rewarding journey where high school students discover their voices, connect with community leaders, and build a foundation to ensure that their cohort, too, proudly claims to be “the best class ever.”

What You Will Do & Benefits

Program Benefits

Zero Cost: Complete access to premier leadership training completely free of charge.
Civic Exposure: Meet directly with City Council members and local leaders.
Diverse Networking: Work alongside top students representing all 7 Fresno Council Districts.
State-Level Access: Travel to Sacramento for a hands-on advocacy and capitol trip.

The Class Project: Service & Vision

As an FYLA cohort member, you will complete a Service & Vision Project. This involves collaborating with local philanthropic organizations and developing a professional proposal for the city’s future. You will attend four (4) additional Chamber work sessions for research, meet with mentors, and present your final project at the State of the City graduation.

Official Application Portal

To learn more, please contact Ximena Ramos at (559) 495-4801 or email xramos@fresnochamber.com

Step 1 of 3

THE PROGRAM

The Fresno Young Leaders Academy (FYLA) is a premier civic leadership program supported by the City of Fresno, in partnership with the Fresno Chamber of Commerce and the Forward Fresno Foundation. Our Mission: To inspire and prepare a diverse group of emerging student leaders who will contribute to their schools and communities today and grow into the leaders of tomorrow. Citywide Selection: Only 25 students will be picked from a Citywide pool. Immersive Leadership: This is an immersive leadership program with no cost to students at all.

CANDIDATE PROFILE: REPRESENTING OUR CITY

Full Name

First Middle Last

Grade (2026-2027)

High School

Address

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

List Your District

FYLA aims to select a diverse cohort representing all 7 Council Districts to ensure every corner of Fresno has a voice.

https://www.fresno.gov/citycouncil/#city-council-district-locator

Your Phone

Your Email Address

Enter Email Confirm Email

Best Time To Call You

When is the best time for us to reach you via telephone?

Parent/Guardian 1 Name

First Last

Parent/Guardian 1 Name (Phone Number)

Parent/Guardian 1 (Email)

Parent/Guardian 2 Name (optional)

First Last

Parent/Guardian 1 Name (Phone Number)

Parent/Guardian 2 (Email)

Emergency Contact (Full Name)

Relationship to Applicant

Phone

Alternative Phone Number:

Are there any severe allergies, medical conditions, or dietary restrictions our team should be aware of in an emergency?

VISIONARY SHORT ANSWERS

About You & Civic Pride:(Required)

What makes you proud to be from Fresno? If you were giving a "city tour," what is the one place or story you would share?

Service History:(Required)

Describe a time you stepped up to help a neighbor, a school club, or a local organization.

Talents & Assets:(Required)

What is the unique skill (the "superpower") you will contribute to this cohort?

Community Vision:(Required)

If you were given a platform at City Hall today, what is one specific challenge in Fresno you are passionate about solving?

Future Goals:(Required)

How will participating in FYLA help you reach your goals after high school?

The 60-Second Leadership Pitch:(Required)

Submit a 60-second video introducing yourself and telling the committee why you want to represent your high school and neighborhood. (Youtube link- unlisted/Video on google drive with sharing capabilities)

Letter of Recommendation:(Required)

Upload your resume in .pdf, .doc or .docx format

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 25 MB.

Signature

CONSENT, RELEASES & STUDENT COMMITMENT(Required)

Parent/Guardian Permission & Release: I, the parent/legal guardian, understand and agree with the mission and goals of the Fresno Young Leaders Academy of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, the Forward Fresno Foundation and support her/him in this commitment, and give permission for full participation in all activities, meetings, field trips and responsibilities pertaining to the duties of a FYLA Member.

Photo Release: For valuable consideration, receipt of which is acknowledged, I grant to the Fresno Chamber of Commerce and the Forward Fresno Foundation, The City of Fresno, and the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools the right to use my photograph, portrait, likeness, or testimonial in the manner indicated below. I agree to release and hold harmless all shareholders, directors, officers, employees, and agents of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce from any activity, error, or omission associated with the reproduction of my photograph, portrait, likeness, or testimonial. I have carefully read this release and understand its contents. I am aware that this is an assignment and release of liability, and a contract between myself, or if I am signing on behalf of a minor, that minor and all of the releases. I sign it of my own free will.

Waiver and Release of Liability for Accidents/Injury: I agree that my activities as a volunteer for the Fresno Chamber of Commerce and/or Forward Fresno Foundation are undertaken at my sole risk, and that the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, the Forward Fresno Foundation, the City of Fresno, and the County of Fresno shall not be liable for any claims for injuries or damages whatsoever to my person or property arising out of or connected with my actions as a volunteer. I agree to indemnify and to hold the Fresno Chamber of Commerce and/or the Forward Fresno Foundation harmless for all claims and/or liability for me or to me, or if I am signing on behalf of a minor, that minor. I also agree that this waiver and release shall apply to my heir(s), executor(s), and administrator(s). I have carefully read this.

Waiver/Release, I understand its contents, and I intend to be bound to its terms.

Transportation: I agree to transport or arrange transportation for my child to and from the Fresno Chamber in a timely manner. I will pick up my child promptly at 7:00 p.m.

I agree to the privacy policy.

Signature

Ximena Ramos

Program Coordinator

xramos@fresnochamber.com

Phone: (559) 495-4801