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Youth Opportunities


Young man wearing an orange NYC Service shirt stands behind an Office of the Borough President of Staten Island podium against a wall with a white outline of the Staten Island Borough Hall and flags on both sides of the young man. Young people are pictured toward the bottom of the picture as they face the young man at the podium.

NYC Youth Leadership Councils logo in orange. Policy. Practice. Advocacy. Youth Voice Counts.

NYC Youth Leadership Councils (YLCs) are a network of youth groups focused on policy, practice, and advocacy to make local change happen.

Each YLC is a space to team up with others, share ideas, create solutions, and put those solutions into action with the support from City agencies, schools, and community organizations.

Join a Youth Leadership Council

Apply

Your voice can make a difference in your community

Host a Youth Leadership Council

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YLCs are creating a bolder, more just city by inspiring youth to shape their communities

YLC members create solutions for:

  • Advocating for mental health support and resources

  • Preventing gun violence in communities

  • Influencing citywide environmental sustainability awareness initiatives

  • Encouraging nutritious diets and healthy lifestyles

  • Connecting youth to digital resources for research and advocacy

  • Using art as a tool for social action

  • And more!

 

Reasons why others have joined YLCs:

  • Gain insight into potential college and career opportunities

  • Understand how NYC works and gain real-world experience

  • Get community service hours

  • Develop personal and professional skills

  • Learn about events and other opportunities in NYC

  • Meet fellow youth interested in leadership and making change

  • Receive a certificate of achievement

 

#YouthVoiceCounts


"How Can I Join a Youth Leadership Council?"

You are eligible if:

  • You’re between the ages of 14 and 21.

  • You're currently enrolled in high school or an equivalency program.

 

The Application

Applying is easy! You can discover which YLC(s) to join, fill out your application information, and attach additional files using one simple form.

Helpful tips to apply:

  • Read the description of YLCs by selecting them from the YLC dropdown

  • Apply up to three YLCs

  • If you want to save and finish the application later, follow the instructions under "Save and Resume Later"

Apply Now


YLC Spotlight ðŸ”¦

GreenThumb

Get deep into food systems, environmental advocacy, and green jobs at a garden near you this summer.

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NYC Service

Youth members formed committees to improve NYC Service's youth engagement and bring youth voice to all areas of the YLC network. Check out this virtual interview with Adam, an NYC Service youth leader who shares a little bit about himself and his experience with YLC!

For a full list of active YLCs and the issues they’re working on, visit the YLC Application.


NYC Youth Leadership Councils in the news:


How Can We Help?

If you have any questions or need to get in touch, email NYC Service at NYCYLC@cityhall.nyc.gov

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Volunteer Opportunities for Youth/Children

Contact

253 Broadway, 8th floor, New York, NY 10007
212-788-7550

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