There were 23 participants who made up this year’s Civic Leadership Academy cohort through the Jefferson Educational Society (JES).

During a two-day retreat to the state capital, they visited all three branches of Pennsylvania’s government while studying the opportunities and challenges surrounding AI.

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“Meet with local state legislatures from the Senate and the House. They’ll also meet with the executive branch, so a couple policy folks in that space, and also the governor, so it’s a very full day and a half,” said Chelsea Oliver, director of marketing and community engagement for JES.

Organizers said the goal is to help participants better understand government while developing solutions to issues that could shape Erie’s future.

“Now more than ever, leaders, we need more leaders, especially in our community here, and so sharpening your skillet, getting outside your comfort zone, that’s what I want to do here,” Jesse Olszewski, a cohort member, said.

“Well, I’m from Erie, but I lived out of town for a few years, and when I came back, I realized how important it is to be involved in your community and be one of the people who are making changes, so I’m excited to position myself to be that,” Deriyanah Reid, a cohort member, said.

Both members said it’s a big opportunity to learn about themselves and the future of the state government.

“This year’s cohort is doing, examining, the current implications, the future implications of artificial intelligence, and its impact on Erie County specifically. So we will be meeting with some policy folks who are working in that space,” Oliver said.

The Civic Leadership Academy was launched in 2015, and more than 250 alumni have completed the program.

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