Apply to Attend the 2026 Youth Leadership Summit and Enter the Young Artist Contest
January 14, 2026
The City of Thousand Oaks Youth Commission is accepting applications for the 2026 Youth Leadership Summit. Students in 7th-12th grades are encouraged to apply. The online application will be available through March 3, 2026, at toaks.gov/youth.
CONTACT: Sarah Mailes, Community Services Analyst, smailes@toaks.gov; 805-449-2118
Alexandra South, Director of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, asouth@toaks.gov; 805-449-2120
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., January 14, 2026— The City of Thousand Oaks Youth Commission is accepting applications for the 2026 Youth Leadership Summit. Students in 7 th-12th grades are encouraged to apply. The online application will be available through March 3, 2026, at toaks.gov/youth.
The Youth Leadership Summit provides a unique opportunity for community youth to join roundtable discussions with Community Leaders, including the Mayor, City Council, Conejo Recreation and Park District Board Members, Conejo Valley Unified School District Board Members, and others, to share concerns and ideas to keep Thousand Oaks youth-friendly.
The application process is competitive. The Committee will notify applicants of acceptance around March 12, 2026. The Summit is by invitation only and will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Kavli Founders Room.
2026 Young Artist Contest
The City of Thousand Oaks Youth Commission is accepting submissions of original works of art inspired by the idea of the Youth Leadership Summit’s theme: “Stronger as One.” Students in 7 th-12th grades who plan to attend the Youth Leadership Summit are encouraged to apply. The online submission portal will be available through March 3, 2026, at toaks.gov/youth.
All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges. One overall winner will be selected, and honorable mentions will be awarded in each of the two categories: 3D art and 2D art. The overall winner and the top winner in each category will be announced at the 2026 Youth Leadership Summit on March 25, 2026. Winners will have the opportunity to showcase their artwork at the Summit, followed by a month-long display at the City of Thousand Oaks Library. All winners will receive an award certificate signed by the Mayor, and selected artwork may also be featured on toaks.gov/youth. Pictures of each submission will be presented in a slideshow that will be played during the Youth Leadership Summit.
Additional information about the Youth Leadership Summit and application, as well as the Young Artist Contest and submission portal, can be found at toaks.gov/youth. For questions regarding the Youth Leadership Summit, email youthcommission@toaks.gov or call Sarah Mailes at 805-449-2118.
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