Dear County and District Superintendents, Charter School Administrators, and High School Principals:

Youth Advisory Council Applications Are Now Open

As we address the evolving needs of our education system, the voices and perspectives of young people are essential to shaping policies that define their future. I firmly believe that better education policy decisions are made when students are authentically engaged in every level of the policy-making process.

The mission of the Superintendent’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is to empower students to contribute to education policy development and amplify the voices of underrepresented youth in statewide decision-making. Through authentic engagement, the YAC works to close achievement gaps, promote equity, and foster transformative outcomes for California’s students.

Applications are now open for the 2024–25 YAC Cohort, available to all California public high school students in grades 9–12 or ages 14–18 as of February 1, 2025. We strongly encourage applications from students representing California’s rich diversity, including varied perspectives, lived experiences, and backgrounds. This includes but is not limited to diversity in ethnicity, gender, LGBTQ+ representation, academic achievement, geographic location, socioeconomic status, and areas of interest.

YAC members will work with the State Superintendent and designated staff at the California Department of Education (CDE) and provide insights on education issues affecting students, families, schools, and communities. They will also advocate for meaningful changes and contribute directly to state-level policy development. In addition, each selected YAC member will receive a $500 stipend upon successful completion of the program.

Interested students can access the YAC application form at https://forms.gle/zdenFUMYzgAXejWV8. The deadline for submission is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2025.

Key Dates for the 2024–25 YAC Program:

• Applications Open: January 27, 2025
• Applications Close: February 17, 2025
• Review and Selection: February 18–February 24, 2025
• Program Duration: February–May 2025

We encourage you to share this unique opportunity with eligible students and invite them to apply. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the YAC team by email at Supt.YouthAdvisoryCouncil@cde.ca.gov.

Thank you for your continued support in elevating youth voices and shaping the future of education in California.

Sincerely,

Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction

TT:dr