Gen Z is engaged, curious, and ready to contribute – and our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) gives them a seat at the table. Members collaborate with Citizens & Scholars to assist in shaping strategies and decisions that reflect the lived experiences of young people nationwide.
The YAC is a genuine partnership and a space for shared learning. Young people grow as leaders, make their voices heard, and have real responsibility. The organization benefits from their ideas and perspectives that push our work forward.
What do members do?
Provide thought leadership, insight & share feedback on Citizens & Scholars programming and initiatives
Serve as Citizens & Scholars brand ambassadors, with opportunities to write, post, and be featured on our platforms
Participate in public-facing events
Support the development of a growing network of young people with the skills and capacity to lead in their communities.
Why join?
Participation in the YAC provides the opportunity to:
Provide unique perspectives which contribute to organizational decision-making
Develop leadership and advocacy skills
Represent diverse and authentic youth experiences
Have your voice heard on a national platform
Receive a $750 stipend in recognition of your time and contributions
Who can join?
We’re looking for US-based young people ages 14-24 who are:
Passionate about civic engagement and making a difference in their community
Excited to lead and collaborate with others
Comfortable speaking up (or want to get better at it)
Curious, open-minded and respectful of diverse perspectives and viewpoints
Committed to showing how young people can lead and create change
The commitment
2-year term (current cycle: January 1, 2026 until June 30, 2027)
I am deeply grateful for the ways in which our inaugural cohort has supported the C&S team to continue uplifting youth who are daring to question and radically reimagine. And watching how the C&S leadership team leverages the expertise of young people in shaping organizational endeavors has been a real privilege. To all young people: these spaces are for you. They affirm you. They need you. They belong to you.
Pragya Upreti
YAC Members
Anthony Akator Jr.
2023 Youth Civic Impact Fellow, Founding YAC Member
Da'Taeveyon Daniels
2023 Civic Spring Fellow, Founding YAC Member
Kilan White
2023 Civic Spring Fellow, Founding YAC Member
Pragya Upreti
2020 Civic Spring Fellow, Founding YAC Member
YAC Alumni
Sophia Awuzie
Civic Spring Fellow 2023, Founding YAC Member
General Questions
What is needed for my application?
Just the application form found here. There are several questions that you will need to answer either in written or video format. More instructions can be found in the application itself.
What is the purpose of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC)?
The purpose of the YAC is to center youth perspectives in C&S’ initiatives and to offer insights and recommendations that guide C&S’s organization-wide decision-making processes. By collaborating in an intergenerational capacity with organizational leaders, the council will play a pivotal role in actively contributing to the progress, growth, and impact of C&S.
As a YAC member, what are my expectations/duties?
All new YAC members will receive council bylaws that spell out specific expectations, but generally, YAC members are expected to be active and engaged during their term! This means attending bi-monthly meetings (and letting us know if there are conflicts), taking on responsibilities during meetings such as co-facilitating, recording attendance/minutes, supporting outreach for recruitment, and other duties assigned between meetings. Members of the YAC will also serve as ambassadors for C&S on an as-needed basis.
How long is the YAC term?
We are currently recruiting members who will serve on the YAC from December 2025-June 2027. Members may serve no more than two terms.
How often will YAC members be expected to meet?
Meetings will be held bi-monthly (every other month), and an annual meeting in July. While the exact dates/times will depend on the overall availability of the group, meetings are expected to be 90 minutes. Other meetings may be scheduled on an as-needed basis with the approval of the YAC.
How many YAC members get selected for each application cycle?
The council will have between 7 and 10 members and to ensure continuity, terms will be staggered. This means the number of seats open each year will vary. For the 2025-2027 term, C&S is recruiting up to 6 new members.
How much is the paid stipend?
YAC members will receive a $750 stipend per year, contingent on their participation in bi-monthly meetings. The stipend will be paid in three installments (October, February, and June).
I was awarded another scholarship/fellowship. Can I still serve on the YAC?
Yes! Anyone living in the U.S. between the ages of 14-24 is welcome to apply to join the YAC.
Selection Questions
When do I have to submit my application?
For the 2025-2027 term, applications must be submitted by November 3, 2025.
What is the timeline for selection?
Selection will take place following the November 3 deadline.
What does the selection process look like?
Applications received by November 3 will be reviewed by C&S program staff and YAC members. The YAC members will then identify finalists, who will be invited to participate in a virtual interview. Following interviews, the YAC will vote on finalists to accept as new members.
Is there an onboarding process?
Yes! After you formally accept your membership, current YAC members will connect with you to share more about the YAC, C&S, and what to expect during your term.
Eligibility Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Anyone living in the U.S. between the ages of 14-24 is eligible to apply. If you are not yet 14, but will be by the start of your term, you can apply. Similarly, if you are 24 and will not yet be 25 at the start of the term, you may apply.
Additional Questions
What if I need to take a leave of absence?
YAC members may request a leave of absence of up to one semester during an academic year. Extensions may be considered under exceptional circumstances. YAC members do not receive a stipend while on a leave of absence and may have their stipend pro-rated/reduced based on the length of leave requested.
If selected, may I defer my membership to the YAC?
We’d encourage you to think about applying for a later date if you do not think you’d be available to start your term upon acceptance.
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