Pride Empowerment Academy

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About Pride Empowerment Academy

The Pride Empowerment Academy (The Academy, or PEA) is a cohort-based community organizing institute designed for LGBTQIA+ and allied organizers. The 7-month cohort utilizes an intersectional LGBTQIA+ lens and integrates essential organizing theories, vision-building, and practical tactics to empower participants in their advocacy efforts in our community. 

The Pride Empowerment Academy cohort will utilize Pride’s Pillars of Justice as guideposts for our work, with each cohort day focusing on one pillar.

WHO SHOULD APPLY TO PEA?

  • The Academy is for LGBTQIA+ people and allies who seek to build deeper relationships and skill development rooted in justice.
  • PEA members have a demonstrated capacity to take risks and make meaningful change in the world around them.
  • The Academy is not just for experienced organizers, but also for those who want to invest in building community power in San Diego County.
  • Applicants should review the Academy schedule prior to applying, as all cohort members are expected to be present for the entirety of each Institute session.

 

HOW DO I APPLY?

  • Application opens November 14th, 2025.

DEADLINE: Applications are due by 11:59 PM on Sunday, December 14th, 2025.

Click Here!
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2025 SCHEDULE

2026 SCHEDULE

ORIENTATION (Virtual/Zoom): 

  • Wednesday, January 7th (evening)

 

Cohort days (in-person)

approx 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM unless otherwise stated

  • Saturday, January 10 (Health Justice)
  • Sunday, January 11 (Community Building)
  • Saturday, February 7 (Racial Justice)
  • Saturday, March 7 (Gender Justice)
  • Saturday, April 4 (Repro Justice)
  • Saturday, May 2 (Economic Justice)
  • Saturday, June 6 (Environmental Justice)
  • Sunday, June 27 (Disability Justice)
  • GRADUATION (PRIDE PARADE): Saturday, July 18 (9am-2pm)
Apply Here!
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Sample Cohort Day Schedule

Note: the below is just for reference, and is subject to change from month to month. 

Saturday or Sunday

  • 9:30 AM – Arrive, breakfast, icebreakers/intros
  • 10:00 – 11:15 – 101 Level Setting Presentation
  • 11:15 – 12:30 – Guest Speaker (Partner Community Organizations)
  • 12:30 – 1:30 – Lunch
  • 1:30 – 3:00 – Guest Speaker (Partner Community Organizations)
  • 3:00 – 3:15 – Break
  • 3:15 – 4:30 – Hands-on Experience or Practice (Partner Community Organization)
  • 4:30 – 4:50 – Debrief Experience/Practice
  • 4:50 – 5:00 – Wrap-up

Contact Us

 

Have a question about the 2026 Pride Empowerment Academy cohort? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team:

[email protected]

APPLICATION

The 2025 cohort has been selected! Check back here for more information about this year’s cohort.

The 2026 Pride Empowerment Academy application will open in Fall 2025.

Contact Us

Have a question about the Pride Empowerment Academy? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team: [email protected]