The City of Vallejo/VCUSD Youth Delegation Program
In March of 2020, the City partnered with VCUSD to help sponsor a Vallejo Youth Delegation to the National League of Cities Congressional Conference in Washington, DC. The nine-student delegation included four students from Vallejo High School, four students from Bethel High School, and one student from St. Patrick’s /St. Vincent’s High School. Accompanying the students were two VCUSD chaperones and two Vallejo City Council Members.
In March of 2023, the City and VCUSD escorted a second Vallejo Youth Delegation consisting of four students: one from Vallejo High School, one from Jesse Bethel High School, one from John Finney High School, and the VCUSD Student Board Representative, to Washington, D.C. The itinerary included meetings with staffers of elected officials, networking events and receptions, tours of historical landmarks, visits to museums, meetings with lobbyists and a college tour. The costs of the trip for the VCUSD youth delegates and chaperones, including registration, airfare, hotel, food, and transportation were divided between the City and VCUSD.
In November of 2023, the City and VCUSD co-sponsored a third Vallejo Youth Delegation to the National League of Cities City Summit Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, consisting of eight students: two from Vallejo High School, three from Jesse Bethel High School, two from John Finney High School, and the VCUSD Student Board Representative. The itinerary for the Vallejo youth delegation will include attending conference workshops, networking events and receptions, visiting the Expo Hall, and touring historical landmarks and colleges.
Goals of the Program
The goals of the youth delegation are to: (i) support an ongoing partnership between the City of Vallejo and The Vallejo City Unified School District, as exemplified by the 2x2 Committee; (ii) support the City Council priority of youth programming; (iii) utilize the resources provided by National League of Cities; and (iv) provide the youth of Vallejo with an introduction to government and leadership. Youth delegates will participate in engaging leadership-building opportunities with peers and municipal leaders and have multiple opportunities to socialize and network with fellow youth delegates, mentors and elected officials. By participating in the youth delegation, these students will gain real-world experience through workshops and activities and learn about challenges and solutions from inspiring speakers and presenters, with a spotlight youth voices and youth councils in government.
How to apply:
Applications are shared with all eligible VCUSD schools several months before the trip. Applicants are screened and selections are made by a committee of City/VCUSD staff and members of the 2x2 Committee.