We recognize youth as partners in the decision-making process. The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is NYLC’s premier leadership pathway, connecting passionate young leaders to NYLC programming as experts, thought leaders, and co-creators. Together, we believe in creating spaces for young people to take ownership and affect change.
Young Leaders. Real Impact. National Reach.
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a team of dedicated high school leaders who serve as experts, thought leaders, and active co-creators within NYLC’s programs and mission. Since NYLC’s founding over 40 years ago, youth voice and youth leadership have been at the heart of everything we do. The YAC embodies this commitment at its highest level: members don’t just have a seat at the table — they help build the table, lead the conversation, and shape what comes next.
The YAC is the ultimate leadership pipeline: YaS Participant ➔ YAC Member ➔YAC Mentor ➔ NYLC Board Member. By developing expertise on issues that matter to them, YAC members don’t just advise, they take action. Our members are core thought leaders who actively drive NYLC’s training, professional development, event planning, communications, and facilitation.
“Young people aren’t just the future, they are leading right now. At NYLC, we ensure they have the opportunity, the platform, and the support to turn that leadership into lasting impact.” – Amy Meuers, NYLC CEO
Joining the YAC isn’t just about building a resume; it’s about mastering authentic leadership. Our members don’t just study real-world issues—they solve them, driving the success of NYLC and shaping a more equitable world.
We’re looking for US-based young people in grades 9-12* who:
The 2026-2028 cohort is composed of members from each of our impact areas: Community Health, Education, Climate, and Civics & Democracy. We welcome youth from all backgrounds and communities across the U.S.
*You must be 15 years old by Dec. 31, 2026 to apply.
As a YAC member, you’ll take on active roles across five key focus areas:
🤝 Youth as Solutions (YaS)
YAC members serve as experts and coaches within YaS programming, working directly with teams on the ground supporting planning, facilitation, resource development, and coaching.
📋 Youth Leadership Report
YAC members research and produce a national report capturing youth perspectives and action across key issue areas.
🎤 Youth Summit
YAC members plan and execute one of NYLC’s flagship events for youth leaders across the country.
🌐 The Annual National Service-Learning Conference
YAC members shape the largest gathering in the service-learning field by designing sessions, recruiting participants, and leading facilitation.
📱 Content Creation
YAC members produce original content to amplify youth voice and leadership across multiple platforms including podcast, Substack, and more!
We value your time and aim to make your experience meaningful and flexible. All expenses related to travel for YAC members are covered by NYLC.
The YAC is built to develop real expertise, not just résumé experience. Members grow through:
📖 Monthly Research Requirements: Each month, YAC members share what they’ve been reading, listening to, and watching — keeping the whole team sharp and culturally connected within their focus areas.
🎙️ Facilitation & Coaching Practice: Hands-on work with YaS teams builds real-world application skills in facilitation, coaching, and program support. This experience is one you can’t get anywhere else.
📚 Compiled Information Library: Members contribute to and draw from a curated library of articles, podcasts, and videos organized by focus area to deepen subject-matter expertise over time.
🌎 External Opportunities: YAC members are connected to thought-leader panels, national conferences, workshops, and professional development experiences that extend their reach and impact beyond NYLC.
“It’s not that it made me an extrovert, but I was learning how to use being introverted to become a leader. When most people think of leadership and initiative, they think of a Type-A personality, being the loudest person in the room. The YAC taught me that there are different ways to be a leader. Even being on the back end of communicating as a team is leadership. It helped me take who I was and realize I am a leader.”
Chloe
“The Youth Advisory Council gives you the opportunity to work and forge lifelong relationships with impeccable youth across the country to expand service learning opportunities across the country. The YAC is a place where ideas are challenged and conversations are held to bring innovative solutions to exacerbating problems. So join the Youth Advisory Council to not just spark change but to mold something that is bigger than yourself to serve others while having fun in the process.”
Kaleb