High school juniors and seniors who attend schools in the Lake Elsinore Unified School District or live in Lake Elsinore can apply for the Dream Extreme Future Leaders Program, an eight-week program that gives students hands-on experience with local government and civic leadership.
Applications are open through Sept. 4. The program is scheduled to run from Sept. 21 through Dec. 8, according to the city. Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA, and only 18 students will be accepted for the program.
Participants will meet two days a week in a classroom setting to learn how city government works, according to the city. The program will also focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills.
Students will work on an advocacy project focused on a community issue. They will identify an issue, create a solution and present their ideas at a Lake Elsinore City Council meeting.
Participants will also receive official recognition for completing the program and will be eligible to apply for summer internships and program assistant positions with the city.
The city’s 2025 program included students shadowing city mentors, touring a fire station and sheriff’s station, presenting staff reports and running a mock City Council meeting, according to the city.
The city said the program is designed to help students develop skills that can be used in school, future careers and their communities.
More information and the application can be found on the Dream Extreme Future Leaders Program webpage.
