History

The California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus Institute (Institute) was formed by former Chair of the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, then Assemblymember Judy Chu in 2006 to build a pipeline of leaders.

In the beginning, the Institute was primarily known for it’s non-partisan program that supports local elected and appointed AANHPI leaders in their endeavors to reach higher office.

After several successful classes of Capitol Academy graduates, the Institute launched its second flagship program, the Legislative Staff Academy, in 2017. Junior legislative staff move through a rigorous leadership development program to help them better serve the Member and public, ultimately positioning them for career advance.