07/14/2026
First-Generation American Business and Community Leaders Give Back to the Next Generation
Five-day Summer Bridge Academy prepares Contra Costa County students for college, careers, and civic leadership
DANVILLE, Calif. — First-generation American business owners, educators, public officials, nonprofit executives, and communications professionals are volunteering their time to mentor the next generation of leaders during the inaugural Civic Leadership and College Readiness Summer Bridge Academy.
Made possible through a generous Community Impact Grant from Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen, the academy brings together accomplished leaders from government, higher education, business, and the nonprofit sector to help Contra Costa County high school students develop the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to succeed in college, careers, and civic life.
Over five days, students will participate in hands-on workshops covering cultural identity, leadership, public policy, public speaking, personal branding, college planning, career exploration, networking, and civic engagement. Featured presenters include college professors, elected officials, university professionals, nonprofit executives, marketing and communications leaders, and public policy practitioners.
WHAT
The inaugural Civic Leadership and College Readiness Summer Bridge Academy, a five-day leadership experience featuring workshops on:
Cultural identity and leadership
Public policy and the legislative process
Personal branding and social media literacy
College planning and career exploration
Networking and professional development
Public speaking and civic engagement
WHO
Contra Costa County high school students from across the county
First-generation American business and community leaders
Elected officials
Higher education faculty and administrators
Nonprofit, communications, and public policy professionals
WHEN
July 13–17, 2026
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. daily
WHERE
South Contra Costa County Family Justice Center
319 Diablo Road, Suite 103
Danville, CA 94526
VISUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Students participating in interactive leadership workshops
Mock legislative committee hearing
Students interviewing community leaders
Resume coaching and professional headshots
Public speaking coaching and student presentations
Student networking with accomplished professionals
Recognition ceremony and certificate presentation (Friday)
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES
Interviews are available with:
Student participants
Program organizers
Guest presenters
Community partners
ABOUT APAPA TRI-VALLEY
APAPA Tri-Valley is a chapter of Asian Pacific American Public Affairs (APAPA), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to developing leaders and increasing civic participation through leadership development, civic engagement, and public service. The Summer Bridge Academy reflects APAPA's commitment to expanding opportunity by connecting young people with accomplished professionals who are investing in the next generation of civic and community leaders.
Contact:
Marilyn Cachola Lucey
Program Director, APAPA Tri-Valley
Phone: (925) 708-5030
Email: [email protected]
