Youth Advisory Council
The Youth Advisory Council gives young people a real voice – and responsibility – in shaping the work of C&S. Members advise our leadership and help guide programs that reach young people nationwide.
INTRODUCTION
Real collaboration across generations
Young people should be part of decision-making that affects them. That’s why we offer a seat at the table to share their ideas and perspectives. At the same time, serving on the Youth Advisory Council helps them grow as leaders and build their civic skills.
The Challenge
Young people want to get involved, but they need real pathways—and that programming that reflects their lived experiences.
The Experience
Council members help shape our programs, priorities, and overall direction.
The Impact
Young people build the civic skills and confidence to take action where they live, learn, and work. By co-creating with them, we amplify our impact and reach even more young people.
WHY APPLY?
Working with young people, not just for them
Formed in 2025, the Youth Advisory Council set its own bylaws and structure from day one. Since then, they’ve put young people front and center — presenting a plan to College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, meeting with key leaders, and sharing their ideas at national conferences.
- Represent youth experiences and make your voice heard nationally
- Help shape our programs, priorities, and overall direction
- Grow as a leader and build civic skills, like collaborative problem-solving
- Show up at events and on our platforms as a youth ambassador
- Earn a $750 stipend
A Seat at the Table
By the Numbers
How It Works
Young people (ages 14–24) from across the U.S. commit to a two-year term that includes bi-monthly virtual meetings and one annual planning session. Members share ideas, feedback, and perspectives with C&S leadership grounded in their lived experiences.
Along the way, they develop the civic skills our country needs most – having productive conversations, using credible information and collaborating to create solutions. These skills help them go back into their communities, campuses and workplaces with the confidence to create fresh civic solutions.
Meet Stefanie Sanford
“One of my favorite things is a spirited, intergenerational conversation around the dinner table. At a recent board dinner, young people shared what it’s like to grow up in today’s world—the speed of social media, the pressure to react before you reflect, the ubiquity of screens, the fear that mistakes live forever online. They helped us see both the past and future through their eyes.”
Stefanie Sanford has spent her career connecting education policy and civic life. As President of Civic Ventures at Alithi Consulting and Humanitae Philanthropy Advisors, she helps businesses play a meaningful role in the communities they serve.
Stefanie Sanford
C&S Board of Trustee Chair
Meet Da’Taeveyon Daniels
Da’Taeveyon Daniels, a founding Youth Advisory Council member and 2023 Civic Spring Fellow, mobilized young people in Texas to shape educational policy.
“My favorite part of the Youth Advisory Council has been having a real hand in shaping the future of youth involvement at both the Council and C&S. Working to build meaningful feedback mechanisms that amplify young voices has been an energizing and rewarding experience.”
Da’Taeveyon Daniels
Young Leader
Meet Pragya Upreti
Pragya Upreti, a founding Youth Advisory Council member and 2020 Civic Spring Fellow, led research on how virtual learning affected Kentucky students and coauthored The Co-Creation Generation.
“Working on the YAC has been such a formative experience. I was eager to join the inaugural team because so much is at stake in our communities today. To all young people: these spaces are for you. They affirm you. They need you. They belong to you.”
Pragya Upreti
Young Leader
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join?
We’re looking for US-based young people ages 14-24 who are:
- Passionate about making a difference
- Excited to lead and collaborate
- Comfortable speaking up (or want to get better at it)
- Curious, open-minded, and respectful of different views
- Ready to show how young people can lead and create change
What do young people gain by participating?
Members get real chances to be heard and taken seriously. Co-creation brings young people into our strategy and decision-making, where older and younger leaders learn from each other and shape the work together.
What does participation look like?
Council members share ideas, feedback, and perspectives with C&S leadership grounded in their lived experiences. They also attend events and post on our platforms as youth ambassadors.
How can I learn more or get in touch?
Learn more about Youth Advisory Council by emailing YAC@citizensandscholars.org.
Not ready to apply, but interested in learning more?
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