Leadership Academy Seeking Participants

The Ventura County United Way is searching for local leaders of all backgrounds to attend its fourth annual Leadership Academy.

The local United Way created the program in 1994 to encourage community service. Business owners, educators, professionals and other community activists have participated in past forums.

The most recent Leadership Academy, as part of its group project, surveyed business people, residents and potential students on future academic programs at the planned Cal State University Channel Islands.

The survey results were released early this month, and CSU planners say the poll will help shape curriculum at the proposed campus.

This year’s Leadership Academy will begin with a three-day session to address the challenges facing the county in several areas, including public safety, development and government.

A series of monthly sessions will follow. Those sessions include trips to Sacramento to meet with legislators and take a daylong tour of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to examine water issues.

Sign-ups already have begun for this year’s program, which begins Sept. 24.

The United Way will preview the academy at a special reception June 3 at the Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park. Reservations for the reception are due May 29. Call 485-6288 for more information.