Capitol Academy

The Capitol Academy is an intensive and intimate three-day leadership development program to support and train local elected and appointed officials to run for higher office. The Capitol Academy is designed to provide participants with insight into the inner workings of the State Capitol’s network. Participants have an opportunity to learn from senior political and policy experts.

APPLY HERE FOR THE 2027 COHORT

Program Overview

The Capitol Academy is a three-day leadership development program hosted in Sacramento
Travel, lodging, and meals are included
Up to 12 applicants are selected to participate in each cohort

Capitol Academy’s 14th Cohort—August 2027

“In 2006, I founded the Capitol Academy leadership training program to nurture the next generation of API leaders. Since its inception, program graduates have gone on to serve in the legislature, city council, and board of supervisors. The leadership training is a great tool for API leaders."

Judy Chu, Founder
U.S. Representative, CA 28th Congressional District
Chair Emirita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus

Capitol Academy Alumni in Office

We are incredibly proud of the 130+ Alumni that serve in elected and appointed roles across the State of California. Each day, they dedicated themselves to public service and advancing the needs of our communities. Below are some of our Alumni that currently serve in statewide office:

Aisha Wahab
Class of 2021
Vice Chair, API Legislative Caucus

Al Muratsuchi
Class of 2008
Assemblymember, 66th District

Dr. Steven Choi
Class of 2007
State Senator, 37th District

Mike Fong
Class of 2015
Chair, API Legislative Caucus

Dr. Jasmeet Bains
Class of 2015
Assemblymember, 35th District

Stephanie Nguyen
Class of 2017
Vice Chair, API Legislative Caucus

Ash Kalra
Class of 2019
Assemblymember, 25th District

Robert Bonta
Class of 2008
Attorney General of California

Dr. Darshana Patel
Class of 2023
Assemblymember, 76th District

Jessica Caloza
Class of 2023
Assemblymember, 52nd District

2025 Capitol Academy alumni

Cohort 13

We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2025 and look forward to the continued impact they will make in their communities and across the public sector!