Program Overview

The LQYC meets once a month at La Quinta City Hall, 4:30pm - 6:00pm. Students will learn about what it takes to keep a city running and the available careers within city government. Each month, the LQYC will meet with a different City Department and have an opportunity to connect with the Mayor and City Council members. Students will also work together to organize a community services project which is the perfect opportunity to showcase their leadership skills and truly make an impact in the community. 

Eligibility

The LQYC is open to all students who reside in La Quinta or attend a high school (public, private, or home school) located in the City of La Quinta.

Interested students should:

• Demonstrate leadership in school and/or community activities
• Express an interest in city government 
• Be open minded and willing to work with their peers
• Must have and maintain a 2.0+ GPA

Program Expectations

• Attend all LQYC Meetings
• Participate in the group Community Services Project
• Participate in the group presentation to City Council

Attendance Policy

The success of the program depends on each participant's commitment to attending every monthly meeting, completing the group Community Service Project, and participating in the presentation to City Council. It is the student's responsibility to inform City staff if they will be absent and/or late to a monthly meeting. Excessive unexcused absences may result in removal from the LQYC. 

Program Incentives 

• Community Service Hours
• Scholarship Opportunities 
• Leadership Skill Building 
• Personal/Professional Development

Enrollment 

The LQYC is limited to 20 students per school year. Enrollment and acceptance into the program is on a first come, first served basis. Students who apply after the program has reached capacity will be added to a wait list and if space becomes available, they will be contacted in the order their application was received. To apply for the LQYC, submit a completed application to mcalderon@laquintaca.gov OR apply on the City website via online form below. 

LQYC APPLICATION FORM 

October 8, 2025: Meet City Council, Intro to LQYC and Community Services Department
November 5, 2025: Finance Department 
December 3, 2025: Public Safety and Code Enforcement 
January 7, 2026: Public Works
February 4, 2026: Design & Development 
March 4, 2026: City Clerk's Office
April 1, 2025: Human Resources Department 
May 6, 2026: City Manager's Office
May 19, 2026: City Council Meeting - LQYC Community Service Project Presentation

*Schedule subject to change

Community Services Project

The LQYC will collaborate with City staff to organize a community service project in La Quinta. Students will begin researching the project during the first meeting and continue to plan throughout the school year. After the project is complete, the LQYC showcase the impact they made in the community with a presentation to City Council. 

Examples

Staff will ask the LQYC to implement a project that is important to them, but some examples of community service projects include: 

• Coordinate a park, school, or neighborhood clean up
• Start a community garden or plant trees in a public park
• Install "little libraries" throughout the community 
• Organize a toy or food drive
• Organize an activity or event to help local seniors

The City of La Quinta has established a scholarship fund to provide financial assistance to qualified students who are pursuing post-secondary education or military service. Scholarships are available for junior and senior students after completing one year of service in the LQYC. Use the links below to access the scholarship applications and review additional scholarship qualifications. 

JUNIOR LQYC SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

SENIOR LQYC SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION