Carlsbad highlights youth civic programs and community grants for schools

City staff told the City Schools Committee on May 7 about three education and youth engagement efforts available to Carlsbad students and school groups.

Nicole Piano Jones, senior program manager for housing and homeless services, described the Carlsbad Student Leadership Academy, a free program for high‑school‑age youth with an annual budget of about $45,000 and capacity for three sessions of up to 30 students each. "The students will go through three separate phases during those sessions," she said, describing self‑reflection, leadership and service phases. The next session is scheduled for May 18 and June 1 at the Pine Community Center; staff said registration is available at carlsbadstudentleadershipacademy.com.

Erin Peek described City Stuff, an award‑winning curriculum for third graders that includes six one‑hour lessons and a field trip to city hall where students run a mock city council meeting. The city partners with Junior Achievement to supply materials and estimated the partnership cost at about $25,000 covering two years. Staff also reviewed the community grant program established under City Council Policy 51, explaining four grant types (winning teams, special events, community spirit and community activity) and noting awards above $5,000 require council approval.

Committee members praised the programs and asked staff to distribute links and materials to the superintendents for broader distribution across districts.