Community Acceleration Projects (CAPs)

CAPs bring local organizations and our Immersion Program participants together to move important community opportunities forward.

Emerging Leaders Class of 2023 members Lena Silberman, San Mateo County Management Analyst, and Alexa Altamirano, Oncology Registered Nurse at Stanford Health Care, join their a line of classmates as they write out purpose statements on giant Post-It notes during their Opening Retreat, September 2022.
Photo of the thirty-three members of the Emerging Leaders Class of 2023 outside the City of San Mateo Main Library.

Real community opportunities. Focused leadership. Shared progress

Leadership Immersion Programs

Each year, qualifying San Mateo County organizations bring forward a timely opportunity or challenge. We select a small number of projects and pair the organizations with a small team of our Emerging Leaders who contribute fresh perspectives, focused exploration, and practical recommendations over the five-month CAP period. Organizations gain leadership capacity while Emerging Leaders strengthen their leadership skills and expand their civic engagement.

How CAPs Work: Two Paths, One Collaborative Project

Seven members of the CORPS Class of 2023 form a circle in the courtyard of the City of San Mateo Library to work on an exercise together.

For Organizations

Work with a CAP Team

Apply to advance a timely opportunity or address an organizational challenge. A team of Emerging Leaders will bring focused exploration, fresh thinking, and actionable recommendations.

Process:

For Established Senior-Level Leaders

Designed for senior-level leaders, the Leadership CORPS Program provides broad and deep knowledge of San Mateo County, coaching that expands participants' capabilities, and  peer-to-peer connection and networking.

Posed, outdoor photo of the members of the Emerging Leaders Class of 2023 Community Acceleration Project Team that worked with Puente: From left to right, Federico Pacheco, Senior Public Affairs Manager at Gilead Sciences, Alex Golding, Health Equity Coordinator and Clinical Program Analyst at StarVista San Mateo Pride Center, Armando Castillo, Program Manager, San Francisco 49ers Academy, Alexa Altamirano, Oncology Registered Nurse, Stanford Health Care, Garrett Kuramoto, Community Library Manage at the San Mateo County Libraries, and Andrew Knaack, County of San Mateo Equity and Belonging Associate.

For Emerging Leaders

Explore the CAP Team Experience

As an Emerging Leader, work with a local San Mateo County organization on a timely opportunity or challenge while strengthening your skills in listening, collaboration, and civic leadership.”

See the CAP Team experience

LEAD Local: Professional Development

Leadership today demands more than just good intentions. These skill-building workshops to help you lead through change, think strategically, show up with presence, and communicate clearly.

Why CAPs Matter

Capacity for Organizations

Dedicated attention, research, fresh thinking, and practical recommendations

Leadership Through Experience

Participants practice listening, collaboration, analysis, and civic leadership

Stronger Community Connections

Organizations and emerging leaders build relationships and deepen their understanding of San Mateo County

CAPs in Action

Capacity for Organizations

Dedicated attention, research, fresh thinking, and practical recommendations

Leadership Through Experience

Participants practice listening, collaboration, analysis, and civic leadership

Stronger Community Connections

Organizations and emerging leaders build relationships and deepen their understanding of San Mateo County

For Organizations: Apply for a CAP

Capacity for Organizations

Dedicated attention, research, fresh thinking, and practical recommendations

Leadership Through Experience

Participants practice listening, collaboration, analysis, and civic leadership

Stronger Community Connections

Organizations and emerging leaders build relationships and deepen their understanding of San Mateo County