Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

• Who Is Valley Leadership Academy For?

  Looking for a gap year without a gap year? Need to work while earning college credit? Want to earn your college degree while serving your local church body? Or simply, not sure what your college career looks like? Everyone has a unique purpose in life – we help you find it and live it.

  Valley Leadership Academy is for high school graduates (18-30 years old) who wish to work toward an accredited degree while staying tethered to the Bible. Whether you decide to prepare for vocational ministry or ministry in the secular world, fully accredited college courses help you earn a bachelor degree from California Baptist University.

• Where Is Valley Leadership Academy?

  Valley Leadership Academy is located in the Central Valley, the heart of California between three national parks, Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia, and considered one of the most fertile agricultural regions in the United States. If you enjoy innovative farm-to-table eateries and incredible backdrops for outdoor adventures, you will love it here.

• Is Valley Leadership Academy Accredited?

  Valley Leadership Academy offers students the opportunity to attend California Baptist University online. California Baptist University is a private, Christian, regionally accredited University in Riverside, CA.

• What Can You Expect From Valley Leadership Academy?

  • A Top-tier Christian Education
  • Resume-building Experiences for Future Endeavors
  • Curated Practicum Experience
  • Hands-on Ministry Internships
  • Life Skill Intensives
  • International Exposure Mission Trip
  • Optional Overseas Bible Study Tour
  • Grow in your Love for the Local Church
  • Learn how to Walk Intimately with Jesus
  • Discover Who You Are and Your Unique Purpose

• What Does Student Life Look Like?

  Foster lifelong friendships and feel a deep sense of community and belonging as you walk out this messy process of life with others. We have so much in store for you that we have a whole page dedicated to student life at VLA

• Why Should You Send Your Student Here Over Community College?

  Valley Leadership Academy offers accredited, affordable education that will help your child’s faith flourish. Your son or daughter can avoid crippling debt and spiritual drift while earning a bachelor's degree in a personalized discipleship environment. While they earn their college degree, their higher education will be rooted in Christ and their lives will continue to be transformed by the gospel. In addition, the internship practicum can be fulfilled at any church (pending approval).

• What Housing Options Are Available?

  Currently, Valley Leadership Academy does not provide student housing. However, upon acceptance into the program you will be added to our private Slack channel to connect with other students looking for housing opportunities. Additionally, we can provide recommendations for several apartment complexes and rental opportunities in the Fresno/Clovis area.

• What Does a Typical Week Look Like?

  Students can expect to be on campus (325 E Nees Ave., Clovis CA 93612) in the mornings (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Mondays & Wednesdays. Because every ministry department is different, students will work with their ministry leads concerning their intern schedule.

  • Mondays: Office hours & Study hall
  • Wednesdays: Chapel & Leadership Development Class
  • Thursday Nights: Cohorts