Student Life

Spiritual Formation & Discipleship

At VLA, we believe leadership flows out of a life rooted in Jesus. That’s why spiritual formation is woven into the rhythms of student life. Each week includes space to worship together in chapel, grow in smaller cohorts, and receive intentional mentorship from pastors and leaders.

These aren’t just programs on a calendar, they’re places where faith is deepened, questions are welcomed, and students learn what it means to follow Jesus in both ordinary and extraordinary moments. Our hope is that by the end of your time at VLA, you’ll discover that formation doesn’t happen in isolation, but in community with God and others.

Housing

While Valley Leadership Academy does not provide student housing, you won’t have to navigate the search alone. Upon acceptance, you’ll be added to our Click-up space to connect with other students looking for housing. We’ll also share recommendations for trusted apartment complexes and rental options in the Fresno/Clovis area.

Life Together at VLA

You can expect to be on campus during these times:

  • Mondays: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Wednesdays: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Beyond these anchor points, your internship practicum will look different depending on your church site and ministry team. Most students can anticipate being actively engaged Mondays–Wednesdays from 9:00AM – 4:00PM, as well as Sunday mornings from 7:00AM – 12:00PM.

These rhythms create space not just for classes and training, but for friendships to form, faith to deepen, and leadership to grow.

Events & Community

Life at VLA isn’t just about classes and internships, it’s about building a community that knows how to have fun together. We live by what we call our first rule: fun

Every month, students gather for a Student Life event, either on campus or out in the community. These moments give space to laugh, rest, and grow closer as a cohort. From retreats and holiday traditions to game nights, local sporting events and hikes in national parks, ski trips, bonfires on the beach, and hands-on “Adulting” workshops, each year is filled with new experiences and memories waiting to be made.

Exposure Trips

At VLA, student life goes beyond campus and into the nations. Each year, students have the opportunity to serve on an exposure trip, gaining hands-on experience in ministry while learning from global partners.

  • Year 1: Partner with CRU at Bangkok University in Thailand, engaging in cross-cultural outreach and discipleship.
  • Year 2: Serve with Students International in Costa Rica, joining local leaders in community development and holistic ministry.
  • Year 3 & Year 4 opportunities will be announced as the program expands.

These trips are designed not just as travel, but as transformational experiences: broadening perspective, shaping leadership, and reminding us that following Jesus always leads us to serve others. Students are responsible for fundraising to cover the cost of their trip, and are guided through the process with training and support.

Exposure trips are one of the highlights of student life at VLA reminding us that the church isn’t just local, it’s global.

Our Culture

Every community has a culture. At VLA, ours is simple:

  • First Rule: Fun. We hold the posture of choosing joy in the journey, celebrating God’s work in each other’s lives, and leading with open hands.
  • Authentic Community. We believe transformation happens when we are real with one another, building trust that makes space for honesty, grace, and growth even when it's hard.
  • Biblically Rooted & Spirit-Led. God’s Word is our foundation, and we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide, convict, empower, and transform us as we follow Jesus.
  • Mission-Minded. Whether serving locally or globally, we live sent, joining God’s work in the world.

Student life isn’t just about what we do - it’s about who we’re becoming.

Back to Top