Rose Padilla Johnson, former president for the early-education focused organization California Alternative Payment Program Association and chief executive officer of the Davis Street Community Center located in San Leandro, California, is a longtime advocate for immigrants as well as families and children with low-income backgrounds. As a result of Rose Padilla Johnson’s tireless efforts, San Leandro families and their children have facilitated access to resources and opportunities in Alameda County.
Alameda County's Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) brings together high school students from around the county to participate in a civics-focused career readiness program. Seniors and juniors attending Alameda secondary schools are eligible for the free program. Since the program’s launch in 2008, nine student cohorts have graduated.
Program participants attend five weekly sessions led by Alameda County agency staff to learn about the programs and services each department operates. The students also participate in forums focused on community issues affecting the county’s youth and discuss possible solutions to these problems.
