Program to Train Community Leaders

Santa Ana College and the city will take part in a national program to train community leaders.

Santa Ana was one of 10 cities selected for the $3.6-million project by the Pew Civic Entrepreneur Initiative. The nationwide project aims to equip a diverse group of citizens, or civic entrepreneurs, to play a greater role in decision making in their communities.

About 20 participants in each of the 10 cities will work on team building, self-discovery and empowerment and will teach citizens how city leaders work. Emphasis will be placed on projects that benefit youths, officials said.

In addition, the citizens will share strategies for building stronger communities and meet for training institutes to examine the theories and practices of collaborative leadership.

The initiative is a project of the Pew Charitable Trusts, a national and international philanthropy based in Philadelphia.

Santa Ana College officials said the 20 citizens who will participate in the local project will represent a broad range of ages and backgrounds. They will be chosen by mid-August.

The nine other participating cities are: Albuquerque, N.M.; Anchorage, Alaska; Baton Rouge, La.; Greensboro, N.C.; Honolulu; Jersey City, N.J.; Lexington, Ky.; Providence, R.I.; and Shreveport, La.

Information: (714) 564-6475.