CENTRAL VALLEY INSTITUTE
(FORMERLY SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY INSTITUTE)
Program Dates: June 2025
The CLYLP Central Valley Institute (CVI) formerly known as the San Joaquin Valley Institute (SJVI) was established in 1999 to inspire and motivate students from the area to become the future leaders of the Central/San Joaquin Valley Chicano/Latino community through public service. Open to 50 students from the Central/San Joaquin Valley, the three-day institute offers an impactful program designed to develop students’ leadership potential and increase their knowledge of the region’s cultural and political landscape. Institute participants connect with education, business, political and community leaders from the Central Valley and receive encouragement in their pursuit of post-secondary educational opportunities. Housing, meals and program materials are provided at no cost to the participants or their families.
INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS
- Civic Day: Students learn about the legislative process through active participation in mock hearings and interaction with city and county lawmakers and staff.
- College & Careers Day: Students participate in informational workshops about financial aid, university requirements, and options, and learn about the college admissions process.
DATES & LOCATION
The 22nd Annual Central Valley Institute will take place June 2025. All institute activities will take place in the City of Fresno. Students will be housed at Fresno State University.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to apply, students must:
- Currently be enrolled in a California high school for the 2024-2025 academic year and live in one of the following counties: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne.
- Currently be in either 10th (Sophomore) or 11th (Junior) grade. (Freshman and Seniors are ineligible to apply)
- Not have previously attended the Central Valley Institute or the Statewide Leadership Conference as a participant.
- Must be able to attend the entire weekend; no exceptions or accommodations will be made.
CVI - PARENT INSTITUTE
In recognition that parents and families must also participate in developing student’s leadership potential, the CVI includes a one-day Parent Institute designed for the parents and families of CVI participants. The Parent Institute is held the last day of the CVI so parents and family members can also take home valuable information that they can share with their student. In a bilingual format, parents not only receive important information on the college admissions process and financial aid resources, but also learn how to best support their college-bound students. Latino college graduates and current students, as well as parents of first-generation college graduates share advice to underscore the importance of parental support. More information will be provided in the student acceptance package.
Volunteer Staff
Interested in volunteering? Applications will be available soon.
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