The city of Goleta’s award-winning LEAD Goleta Bilingual Community Academy is now taking applications for its January/February 2027 class. LEAD stands for Learn, Empower, Advocate and Discuss.

Space is limited for the six-week class which provides an up-close look at how local government works. Priority is given to Goleta residents, but the program is open to any resident of Santa Barbara County. High school and college students are encouraged to apply.

Watch our short video promo to see why you should participate; the video is also available here in Spanish.
 
• Application in English
• Application in Spanish
 
In a small setting of around 30-35 individuals, participants will learn how the city is run.

“You will walk away from the experience more connected to the city with a deeper understanding of how to get involved in shaping the future of Goleta, whether it’s staying informed, volunteering, applying for a Board or Commission, or even running for City Council,” organizers said.

For more, watch a video recap of the 2026 LEAD Goleta Community Academy.

Participants must be able to attend all six classes which take place 6-8:30 p.m. on six consecutive Thursdays, Jan. 14-Feb. 18.

Classes are held in Council Chambers at Goleta City Hall, 130 Cremona Drive, with the exception of one or two held off-site.

This is the seventh LEAD Goleta Community Academy. In 2024, the program received the Cal Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence in the category of Enhancing Public Trust, Ethics, and Community Involvement. Learn more here.

For more information and to apply, visit www.CityofGoleta.org/LEADGoleta.