City, county, state and tribal youth councils that take student members: who can apply, the term, the time it takes and when to apply, in each council’s own words.
Youth councils let you advise your city or state and count as leadership experience.
Some cities have none listed. Don’t see your city? Ask your city clerk’s office.
Councils and commissions
Filter by type or county. Councils taking applications now are listed first, then councils with a yearly window, then councils whose page shows no open window, then councils whose members are chosen by schools.
25 councils
Open nowCity
Kingman Youth Advisory Council (KYAC)
Run by: City of Kingman
Mohave County
Official text
Who can apply
“The Kingman Youth Advisory Council (KYAC) is a group of 15 high school students whose purpose is to provide Kingman’s high school youth with a direct connection to local government.”Official page
Term
Not published on the pages we checked
Time commitment
“Kingman Youth Advisory Council Regular Meeting - Monthly on the 4th Wednesday of every month at 6:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers”Official page
Run by: City of Peoria, Neighborhood and Human Services / City Clerk
Maricopa County, Yavapai County
Official text
Who can apply
“If you are currently in grades 7th-11th and a City of Peoria resident, you are eligible to join.”Official page
Term
Not published on the pages we checked
Time commitment
“The YAB traditionally meets on the second Monday of the month, starting at 6:30 p.m. Committee meetings are held on the last Monday of the month at 5:00 p.m.”Official page
How to apply
“We accept applications throughout the year and will schedule interviews as positions become available. To apply, please visit the Peoria Youth Advisory Board on the Boards and Commissions webpage.”Official page
When to apply
In short: Year-round.
“The City accepts applications year-round for students in grades seven through 11.”Official page
Council size
Two official statements differ — confirm with the council:
“Peoria's YAB consists of 23 members appointed by the city council in accordance with Peoria City Code.”Official page
“Peoria's Youth Advisory Board consists of 19 members and 2 alternates.”Official page
Run by: Pima County Public Library with Pima County Health Department
Pima County
Official text
Who can apply
“The Youth Health Action Team (YHAT) is a youth-led volunteer group for individuals ages 14 to 24, with an emphasis on fostering a diverse community.”Official page
Term
Not published on the pages we checked
Time commitment
Not published on the pages we checked
How to apply
“If you’re ready to share your voice, build new skills, and be part of something meaningful, apply today.”Official page
When to apply
In short: Posted May 1, 2026. No closing date is posted.
“The Youth Health Action Team (YHAT) application is now live!”Official page
In short: Late applications are considered for 2027-28 or for 2026-27 vacancies.
“Any applications received after this date will be considered for the 2027 - 2028 school year or to fill any vacancies that may arise during the 2026-2027 school year.”Official page
Run by: Tohono O'odham Nation, Department of Education
Tohono O’odham Nation
Official text
Who can apply
“The Tohono O’odham Nation Youth Council Serves as the official voice for youth of the Tohono O’odham Nation.”Official page
Term
Not published on the pages we checked
Time commitment
Not published on the pages we checked
How to apply
“Contact your individual district or district youth council as each district has their own individual process of appointment to Youth Council. Appointments are recognized and confirmed by District Resolution.”Official page
When to apply
In short: Seats are filled by district as they become vacant.
“Currently there are 4 vacant positions from the following District: Pisinemo District – 4 positions”Official page
“Must be in 8th - 12th grade in the 2027 - 2028 school year”Official page
Term
Not published on the pages we checked
Time commitment
“First Wednesday of the month: 5:30 p.m. at The Landing”Official page
How to apply
“If you are interested in joining the 2027 Buckeye Youth Council, please fill out our Interest Form. We will reach out to you when applications for the 2027 year open up!”Official page
When to apply
In short: Each year. Applications for 2027 open early in 2027.
“Applications for 2027 Will Open Early Next Year”Official page
“The Mayor's Youth Commission are students in 9th - 12th grade who advise the Council on issues concerning the youth of Chandler.”Official page
Term
“Term: 2 years / until graduated from high school”Official page
Time commitment
“Meetings are usually held at 5 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of every month during the school year at the Chandler Police Department, Main Station Community Room, 250 E. Chicago St., Chandler.”Official page
How to apply
“The Mayor and the City of Chandler appreciate your interest in serving on the Youth Commission. You must be a Chandler resident to be eligible to hold a position on the Youth Commission.”Official page
When to apply
“Applications will be open from Feb. 1 at 8 a.m. - March 31 at 11:59 p.m.”Official page
“Members must be high school students (9th-12th grade) residing in El Mirage.”Official page
Term
“Members serve a 10-month term. The inaugural commissioner seats expire in June 2027.”Official page
Time commitment
“After this initial orientation meeting, regular business meetings will take place on the fourth Tuesday of each month, starting at 6:00 p.m.”Official page
How to apply
“Step 3. Identify an adult mentor and ask them to complete and submit an online recommendation form.”Official page
When to apply
In short: Each year. The next window is early 2027, for the 2027-28 school year.
“The application period for this year has ended. The next application period will be early 2027 for the 2027-2028 School Year.”Official page
Run by: Arizona Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family (GOYFF)
Statewide
Official text
Who can apply
“The Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family (GOYFF) invites applications from sophomores, juniors, and seniors attending Arizona high schools to serve on the Governor’s Youth Commission (GYC) for the 2026-2027 academic year.”Official page
Term
“Term: Commissioners are appointed to a one (1) year term and may apply to serve up to three (3) terms with the GYC, so long as they are still in high school and selected through the renewal application process.”Official page
Time commitment
“Perform at least five service hours per month (August through April) and leverage at least two peers to join you in conducting service hours monthly.”Official page
How to apply
“The application consists of three short essays, a letter of recommendation, and a resume.”Official page
When to apply
In short: Each spring. Applications for 2027-28 open in spring 2027.
“Applications to participate in the 2027/28 GYC will open in Spring 2027.”Official page
Pay or reimbursement
“Mileage reimbursement is available for Commissioners traveling 50 miles or more from the State Capitol, where quarterly in-person meetings are held.”Official page
Council size
Two official statements differ — confirm with the council:
“The GYC comprises 40-50 sophomores, juniors, and seniors from all 15 counties.”Official page
“The GYC comprises 50-70 high school students (sophomores, juniors, and seniors) from across Arizona.”Official page
“Council meetings are typically held virtually once or twice a month. In-person meetings are scheduled in advance and take place at least once per semester.”Official page
How to apply
“Applications open each spring and begin with an initial application submission. After the first round is reviewed, selected applicants are invited to move forward to a second round, which consists of a one-way recorded virtual interview.”Official page
When to apply
In short: Each spring. The next round is spring 2027.
“Applications are now closed. Please check back in spring 2027.”Official page
Run by: City of Scottsdale, Youth and Family Services
Maricopa County
Official text
Who can apply
“Applicants must attend a high school in the City of Scottsdale or be a Scottsdale resident currently attending High School.”Official page
Term
Not published on the pages we checked
Time commitment
“SMYC usually meets from 4 - 5:30 p.m., on two Mondays a month, that vary month to month depending on scheduled events, during the school year (mid August - May).”Official page
How to apply
“Applications will be available online in mid- April with the close of submittal at the end of May.”Official page
When to apply
In short: Each year, mid-April to the end of May.
“Applications will be available online in mid- April with the close of submittal at the end of May.”Official page
Arizona Heritage Preservation Youth Council (HPYC)
Run by: Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (Arizona State Parks & Trails)
Statewide
The pages we checked show no open application window. Check the official page or contact the office that runs it.
Official text
Who can apply
“Must be a a current or rising 8th-12th grader, studying in Arizona Must be within the ages of 13-18 by the beginning of September 2026.”Official page
Term
Not published on the pages we checked
Time commitment
“What is the time commitment? 3-10 hours per month.”Official page
How to apply
“STEP 1: Read the HPYC Application and Program Guide STEP 2: Apply HERE!”Official page
When to apply
Not published on the pages we checked
Council size
Two official statements differ — confirm with the council:
“Following a rigorous selection process, the eight-member Council began programming in January 2026”Official page
“The nine-member council represents the voice of Arizona's youth and will lead projects that promote preservation and inspire their peers and communities to value heritage as a cornerstone of Arizona's future.”Official page
Run by: City of Maricopa, Communications & Cultural Services
City of Maricopa (Pinal County)
The pages we checked show no open application window. Check the official page or contact the office that runs it.
Official text
Who can apply
Two official statements differ — confirm with the council:
“Applicants must be a resident of the city and be of age 13 through 18.”Official page
“Yes, all members must live within the city of Maricopa, the city of Maricopa planning area, Ak-Chin Indian Community or Gila River Community.”Official page
Term
Not published on the pages we checked
Time commitment
“Meetings are held up to twice a month, sometimes 3 times a month.”Official page
How to apply
“If you are interested in applying for membership to the council, please complete the following application found below.”Official page
The pages we checked show no open application window. Check the official page or contact the office that runs it.
Official text
Who can apply
“The City of Yuma Youth Government Program is a six-week summer experience that gives high school students a behind-the-scenes look at how their City works.”Official page
Run by: City of Cottonwood, Parks, Recreation and Library
Yavapai County
The pages we checked show no open application window. Check the official page or contact the office that runs it.
Official text
Who can apply
“seven youth from Mingus Union High School; and three youth from private, charter, or home schooled, middle or high school students located within the city of Cottonwood”Official page
Term
“All appointments to the commission shall be for period of one year except as provided in this section.”Official page
Time commitment
“The commission shall meet once a month or more often, if needed.”Official page
“All members shall serve without pay, except members may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in connection with their duties upon authorization or ratification by the commission and approval of such expenditures by the city council.”Official page
The pages we checked show no open application window. Check the official page or contact the office that runs it.
Official text
Who can apply
“Members can be a high school student who lives within the municipal boundaries of Glendale OR attend a high school within the municipal boundaries of Glendale.”Official page
The pages we checked show no open application window. Check the official page or contact the office that runs it.
Official text
Who can apply
“Applicants must be full-time students who will be attending a high school or home school program within the town boundaries of Oro Valley and who will be in grades 9-12 during the fall semester.”Official page
Term
Not published on the pages we checked
Time commitment
“YAC members must attend two (2) meetings per month between the months of August and May (meetings are approximately 1.5 hours). Meeting are currently held on Monday nights starting at 7 p.m.”Official page
Run by: City of Phoenix, Youth and Education Office
Maricopa County
The pages we checked show no open application window. Check the official page or contact the office that runs it.
Official text
Who can apply
“We are also inviting high school-aged youth to become a commission member.”Official page
Term
Not published on the pages we checked
Time commitment
Two official statements differ — confirm with the council:
“The commission meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month, from 3:45 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at the College Depot, located in the Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave.”Official page
“The Youth and Education Commission meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month, from 3:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., via Webex, unless otherwise noted.”Official page
How to apply
“If you are interested in becoming an Youth and Education Commissioner, please visit boards and commissions to complete an online application form.”Official page
Run by: City of Tempe, Community Health and Human Services
Maricopa County
The pages we checked show no open application window. Check the official page or contact the office that runs it.
Official text
Who can apply
“You must be in 9th-12th grade for the academic year of 2026-2027”Official page
Term
“Commissioners can serve up to four academic years or when they graduate from high school.”Official page
Time commitment
“Commissioners must be able to attend a majority of the MYAC meetings which are generally held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at the Tempe Public Library from September to May.”Official page
How to apply
“Applicants will also need a recommendation from an adult that is not a relative. The nomination form link is in the application.”Official page
When to apply
Two official statements differ — confirm with the council:
“Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 Academic Year”Official page