Community Academy Pilot Program Outline

Program Overview

The From the Block to the Boardroom Community Academy Pilot is a 6–8 week leadership and workforce development program designed to equip youth with practical life skills, exposure to ownership pathways, and the confidence to navigate professional spaces.This pilot program focuses on building real-world readiness, not just inspiration.

Participants will develop foundational skills in communication, financial literacy, leadership, and ownership awareness while being introduced to fields where communities of color have historically been underrepresented.

The pilot will serve as the first phase in developing a long-term community academy in Sacramento focused on education, mentorship, wellness, and economic empowerment.                            
 Target Participants
 
  • Youth ages 14–21
  • Sacramento-based participants
  • Communities of color, young people, and families who need mentorship, career readiness support, and leadership training. 

Program Structure 

Duration: 6–8 weeks
Session Frequency: 1–2 sessions per week
Session Length: 90 minutes – 2 hours
Delivery Model: Hybrid
 
  • Community partner spaces
  • Pop-up workshop environments
  • Limited virtual components if needed

Core Learning Tracks

Workforce Readiness

(Foundational Track)

All participants will receive training in:
 
  • Professional communication
  • Resume building and interview preparation
  • Time management and accountability
  • Workplace expectations and self-advocacy
  • Financial literacy (credit, budgeting, banking basics)
  • Entrepreneurial and ownership mindset
Goal: Prepare participants to enter the workforce with confidence and professionalism.
 

Ownership & Leadership Exposure

 (Pilot Focus Track)

Participants will be introduced to long-term wealth and leadership pathways through:

  • Real estate literacy and pathways to homeownership
  • Civic awareness and basic legal literacy
  • Guest speakers from professional fields
  • Leadership development and public voice training
Goal: Normalize access to ownership, leadership, and professional opportunities.
 

Skills & Traits Developed

Core Skills:
  • Workforce readiness
  • Professional communication
  • Financial literacy
  • Leadership fundamentals
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving
Core Traits:
  • Accountability
  • Discipline
  • Confidence
  • Collaboration
  • Cultural pride and responsibility
These traits are embedded into every session and reinforced through mentorship.

  Expected Outcomes

By the end of the pilot program, participants will:

  • Create a professional resume
  • Develop a basic personal financial plan
  • Demonstrate improved professional communication
  • Participate in at least one professional exposure session
  • Complete the program with 80% or higher attendance
Participants will also complete a final reflection or presentation demonstrating their growth.
 

Pilot Program Goals

The pilot phase will allow the organization to:
 
  • Validate community interest and demand
  • Refine curriculum and program structure
  • Measure participant outcomes and impact
  • Strengthen partnerships within Sacramento
  • Build the foundation for future funding and expansion

 Long-Term Vision

 
This pilot represents the first step toward establishing a permanent community academy in Sacramento that integrates:

  • Workforce readiness
  • Wellness and healing programs
  • Creative expression and cultural mentorship
  • Real estate and ownership pathways
  • Community leadership development
The goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem where youth and families gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to move from the block to the boardroom.