The Institute’s Legislative Staff Academy provides staff with an opportunity to gain valuable leadership and management skills. To support upward mobility in their careers, the program is designed around a four-pillar model: building individual readiness for change, creating peer networks and safe spaces, explaining the unwritten rules of the Legislature, and cultivating relationships with influential leaders.

Legislative Staff Academy

Applications Open Summer 2026

Program Overview

7 month-long leadership program (December - June) for API legislative staff
6 highly interactive, expert-led seminars on 6 core topics
Team project to support a local community organization
Customized 5-year career planning session with Executive Director, Sonya Harris
1 on 1 mentorship opportunities with AANHPI leaders

“As a proud member of the inaugural class of the API Staff Academy, I can say that my professional development and career have been enhanced tremendously by this experience. API Staff Academy not only provides knowledge and a deeper understanding of the legislative world, but it pairs you with a mentor who shares your values and goals. The mentorship I received in the program was without equal. The Academy utilizes the most prestigious talent and accomplished individuals to serve as mentors. It’s hard to overstate how much I benefited from having my mentor recount his experiences and directly impart his wisdom to me. His guidance was a turning point in my career. Now, I am fortunate enough to call him my boss, and also my friend. API Staff Academy mentorship made this possible, and I am eternally grateful for this opportunity.”

Brandon Seto, Class of 2018
Principal Consultant, Senate Insurance Committee
Former Speaker Anthony Rendon

"The legislature can be an intimidating space to be in, especially when you do not see yourself represented well (or at all) in the staff and legislators around you. As a Muslim, Pakistani staffer who started in the building in 2016, and as a new Legislative Director, the Institute has provided me with a strong network of mentors, deep relationships with other staffers from similar API backgrounds, as well as tools to expand my understandings of politics. More importantly, it has helped me feel more comfortable and confident in this political sphere knowing that I have a support system that I can turn to for advice and guidance when I need it."

Maheen Ahmed, Class of 2019
Deputy Director, Office of CARE, California Department of Justice - Office of Attorney General

Staff Academy 2024-25

Cohort VII

Over the course of seven months, these rising API leaders were guided by policymakers, advocates, and civic leaders to explore policy strategy, leadership development and the unwritten rules of the Legislature. We are incredibly proud of their growth and can't wait to see the impact they will make as the next generation!