Student Advocacy

Each year, Uni sends student delegates to represent our school at the annual Irvine Unified Council PTA sponsored Sacramento Student Advocacy Trip. Representatives have the opportunity to meet with state legislators and voice their concerns and viewpoints.  Representatives are chosen through an application process. Applications will be open in the winter of 2025, for the 2026 Sacramento trip. The application process is open to all juniors or seniors interested in public policy or educational issues. 

Open to Juniors and Seniors from all IUSD high schools, this 6-week program provides students with the opportunity to learn about advocacy, explore issues impacting IUSD and their community, form and prioritize their personal views, and meet with state lawmakers and staffers to express their concerns regarding public education. Students will also network with other students from Irvine, IUSD administrators, and IUSD board members.  

This 6-week program culminates with a trip to our state Capitol. In Sacramento, students will meet and interact with a variety of experts in public education at the local, county, and state levels. Students will meet state lawmakers, policy analysts, lobbyists, and think tanks and have the opportunity to share with these leaders in education, our priorities and concerns. 

1. Application form:  Please submit your completed application to Mrs. Koh in the front office by January 9th, 2026.  See the application below.

2. Mandatory Meetings Before the Trip:  5 weekly meetings held at the IUSD high school campuses scheduled on Wednesdays from 6:00-7:30pm at the following dates and locations:

02/11/2026: Irvine High School

02/18/2026: Portola High School

02/25/2026: Northwood High School

03/04/2026: Woodbridge High School

03/11/2026: University High School

3. Travel Schedule: Meet at 5:15 am on March 18, 2026, from Orange County Airport (SNA) and return the same evening around 9:00 pm.  Students must be available all day to attend the trip.  

4. Registration Fee: Your high school PTSA will cover fees which include round-trip airfare, ground transportation in Sacramento, lunch, and dinner. (Transportation to and from SNA will be on your own and students can bring money for incidentals.)

 Application Deadline: January 9th, 2026

Download the Student Application HERE (PDF)

If you attended the Student Advocacy trip last year and want to apply to be a Student Lead this year, please download and complete this application. (PDF)