MISSION: The mission of the San Joaquin Political Academy is to develop political leaders that are committed to public service that creates a healthy business climate, a strong economy, and a vibrant community. By providing education and civic training to professionals and business leaders with the potential and desire to enter public service, the Academy equips its graduates with the tactical skills and pragmatic vision to creatively address the challenging systemic, and societal issues our region faces.
Application Process:
- Begin by submitting the online application.
- Next, staff will review your application, and someone from our team will reach out to schedule an interview.
- Admission letters will be sent out the week of February 13th.
Benefits of the San Joaquin Political Academy:
The San Joaquin Political Academy is a program of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce that teaches candidates how to listen to constituents with a clear understanding of how to seek endorsements, support, and reserve the right to make independent decisions.
Successful graduates will feel secure knowing they have the knowledge and vision to put their services forward as an elected public official who is capable of offering creative solutions to the problems of the region.
When do classes start?
The next cohort will begin in March 2024 and run until May 2024.
Classes will be held on a weekly basis on Tuesday afternoons from 4 PM- 7 PM.
What topics can I expect to learn more about?
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- Image Consultation and Crafting Your Message
- Media Relations
- Developing an Effective Campaign
- Fundraising Strategies
- Issues Impacting Business
- Regional Problems and Solutions
- Ethical Leadership Traits
- Critical Thinking and Listening Skills
SJPA ALUMNI
Tony Gastelum
Daniel Gerstner
Larry Westerlund
Debbie Hunsaker
Pamela Kallsen
John Ostlund
Michael Stein
Paul Betancourt Sal Quintero Dave Rippeote
Larry Fortune Randall Reed Matt Rogers
Jerry Prieto Dave Rippeote Darren Rose
Terrance (TJ) Cox Jared Gordon Al Smith
Gage Dungy Shirley Grace Alita Warner
Susan Good John Lester Laura Whitehouse
Oran Cogdill Martha Hernandez Scott Miller
Tal Eslick Amy Huerta Larry Wilder
Richard Gallegos Keith Kelley
Steve Caughran Kirk Hunter Jose-Karim Nunez
Jim Flanagan Nathan Magsig APS Sidhu
John David Haskell Vong Mouanoutoua
David Bacci Denise Lanier Tory Sherman
Austin Ewell Marion Montgomery-Austin Bob Whalen
Robert Ikemiya Jerry Schuber
Raul Cantu Todd Hirasuna Michael Karbassi
Vernon Crowder Dennis Montalbano Marcelino Vadez, Jr.
Victoria Gonzales Christopher Montelongo
Alicia Bohigian Patrick Hanson Steve O’Hara
Emmett Castro Chuck Littlefield Tim O’Hara
Brian Domingos, Jr. Adam Mortanian
Steven Crass Brian Janes Terry Metters, Jr.
Joseph Hebert Debra McKenzie Paul Szopa
H Spees Amarpreet Dhaliwal Daniel Babshoff
Paul Singer Laura Brautigam Joseph Ruda
Holly Carter Gwen Morris Jasdeep Singh
Claudia Cazares Lorenzo Rios
Keane Anrig Jason Dees Ike Grewal
Christine Cerda Kristina Garabedian Barigye McCoy
Nicholas Grim Raj Sodhi- Layne Jenni Solla
Kamaljit Gill Naindeep Singh
Chad Cirvelli Jonathan Holt Lor Xiong
Ivan Chebotariov Emily Salazar
TBD
Tuition for the San Joaquin Political Academy is $650. Tuition must be paid in full before the class orientation.
**Installment plans are available upon request.**
NOTE: If you are accepted into the program and then resign prior to the orientation, a refund of tuition can be provided, less the costs of the orientation and retreat. If you resign after orientation, no refund will be provided.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2024 San Joaquin Political Academy cohort. Please contact Fernando Alvarez at falvarez@fresnochamber.com or (559)495-4800 for more information.
