COVINA, CA – Northview High School junior Julianne Fernandez and senior Genesis Sanchez are gaining firsthand insight into government and building real-world leadership skills through the Young Legislators Program hosted by Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio’s office.

The program selects just over 20 students from a pool of more than 100 applicants and consists of monthly, in-person meetings focused on civic engagement, public policy, and essential life skills. Through workshops, simulations, and direct interaction with policymakers, students gain an inside look at how state government operates and how decisions impact local communities.

“I think it’s important for young people to be involved in the legislature because we need to understand these systems to make informed decisions as we get older,” Fernandez said. “Learning about government can motivate young people to bring fresh perspectives and create meaningful change.”

Fernandez’s interest in public service has been shaped by hands-on experience. During summer 2025, she volunteered at Covina’s City Hall, working in the city development department and learning about the planning and permitting process. She also serves as Northview High’s student board member for Covina-Valley Unified, where she represents her school at Board of Education meetings and conferences, gaining exposure to education policy and governance.

Through the Young Legislators Program, Fernandez and Sanchez have already participated in interactive learning experiences, including a financial literacy simulation hosted by a local credit union.

“Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio is very hands-on and communicative,” Fernandez said. “She took the time to talk with us about college, leadership, and what her work really looks like, which made the experience feel very real.”

At Northview High, Fernandez plays both varsity flag football and varsity soccer, which is advancing to CIF playoffs for the first time since 2011. She is also the founder of the school’s wellness club, serves on the attendance committee, maintains a 4.0 GPA, and takes multiple Advanced Placement courses. After graduation, Fernandez said she plans to major in pre-law or sports management, with aspirations of becoming a sports agent or sports lawyer.

Sanchez said she was inspired to join the Young Legislators Program after watching her brother participate in the same program in 2020.

“I became interested in government after seeing firsthand the importance of having representation in a community,” Sanchez said. “Having family that immigrated to the United States from Mexico and Honduras, I wanted to find a way to become a voice for them and others who want to succeed and build their futures.”

Sanchez has already been accepted to multiple California State University and University of California campuses and plans to major in political science. She hopes to pursue a career as an immigration lawyer, helping individuals seeking opportunity navigate the complexities of the government system.

During her time at Northview High, Sanchez has served as co-editor-in-chief of the yearbook, is a member of the Associated Student Body Technology Committee, and serves as secretary and registrar of the Medical Club. She has also competed as a hurdler on the track and field team all four years and participated in varsity cross country, varsity flag football, varsity basketball, and varsity soccer. She said she plans to continue her track and field career at the collegiate level.

“Julianne and Genesis are extraordinary examples of the excellence in Covina-Valley Unified,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Blackmore said. “We are proud to see them represent the District in the Young Legislators Program while developing the leadership skills that will serve them well in the future.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

CVUSD_YOUNGLEGISLATORS1: Northview High School junior Julianne Fernandez is gaining firsthand insight into government and building real-world leadership skills through the Young Legislators Program hosted by Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio’s office.

CVUSD_YOUNGLEGISLATORS2: Northview High School senior Genesis Sanchez, also participating in the Young Legislators Program, has competed as a hurdler on the track and field team all four years. After graduating, she plans to major in political science and continue her athletic career at the collegiate level.