Dates and Times: October 29 and November 5 & 12, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT
The UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent (CDA) is launching its first-ever Developmental Science Academy for Youth-Serving Advocates, a no-cost program designed to provide mid-career policy professionals with the science and research they need to help their advocacy efforts to support adolescents (youth ages 10 to 25).
What is the benefit of participating?
Participants will receive up-to-date information about the developmental science of adolescence from experts in adolescent brain development, psychology, and science communication. Presentations and conversations will be designed to generate new ways of thinking about the challenges and opportunities our youth face and ultimately advance science-inspired policy solutions, systems, and support. Participants will also complete an individual capstone project in which they’ll have the opportunity to incorporate insights from developmental science into their policy work.
Participant benefits include:
- Access to CDA leadership
- Opportunities to collaborate and network with other Los Angeles–based participants from across fields
- Ongoing technical support from select CDA staff
- Invitation to exclusive CDA events
- Lunch provided by CDA during in-person meetings
- Parking at UCLA for in-person meetings
What is the time commitment?
Participants will be expected to attend three half-day, in-person meetings at UCLA’s campus on October 29, November 5, and November 12 and to dedicate time between meetings to individual capstone projects (approximately 1 to 2 hours per week). Meetings will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Before applying, please ensure your availability to attend all three sessions. Because each session builds on the previous one, full participation is required to help everyone get the most from the program.
Who should apply?
This program is ideal for professionals with existing policy or legislative expertise who want to add to their advocacy toolkit and understand how to incorporate developmental science and research into their efforts to support adolescents. We encourage anyone currently based in the Los Angeles area with 7+ years of professional policy experience and expertise in one or more issues affecting adolescents (such as education, juvenile justice, foster care, public benefits access, or after school programming) to apply.
How can I be considered?
Please submit a:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Brief statement of support from your supervisor or employer
By 5:00 p.m. PT on Monday, August 31, 2026, via our Google Form, here.
Further information and instructions can be found on the application form. Not all applicants will be selected to participate in the program. Each application will be reviewed by CDA staff and final participants will ultimately be chosen based on their submitted materials and relevant expertise.
When should I apply?
Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. PT on Monday, August 31, 2026, and will be considered on a rolling basis. All applicants will be notified of CDA’s decision by Friday, September 4, 2026.
If you have any questions or issues submitting this form, please email Taylor Colby, Policy and Practice Associate at UCLA CDA, at t.colby@ucla.edu.