Who should apply to serve as the 2026-27 Student Member of the
State Board of Education?
High school seniors in good standing in any California public high school during the 2026-27 school year.
Description of the Position
Eligibility
Students enrolled in a California public high school who will be a senior in good standing in the 2026-27 school year, and who are available to participate in a statewide student leader conference on November 3 – 5, 2025, in Sacramento.
Term of Office
The Student Board Member will serve a one-year term from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027.
Time Requirements
The estimated time required for the Student Board Member will be at least two successive school days every other month to attend regular SBE meetings, in Sacramento; sufficient time to review the agenda materials in advance of the meeting; additional time for handling other Board-related business; and time to attend selected student meetings, workshops, and/or conferences.
Expenses Paid
The student who is selected by the Governor’s office to serve as the 2026-2027 SBE Student Board Member will receive a $100 stipend for each day’s service on approved, official business. The SBE will also cover expenses for lodging and meals in the amount allowed by state regulations.
The twelve students selected by the SBE screening committee for consideration for the SBE Student Board Member position will have their registration fee, travel, and lodging for the Student Advisory Board on Education (SABE) conference paid by the SBE.
Application Procedures
Before completing the application, please read the description of the position carefully. Each prospective applicant should (1) fully understand the time requirement that serving on the SBE would add to his or her workload and schedule and (2) give serious consideration to the frequent travel requirements of the position. If you qualify for the Student Board Member position and wish to apply, please follow the instructions below.
Submit a complete application package with all required materials, which consists of:
the completed application form
three letters of recommendation, including:
at least one letter from a current or former teacher
at least one letter from an administrator or counselor at your high school
NOTE:
All letters should be from individuals who know you personally. The letters should attest to include your leadership accomplishments and why you would serve California public school students well as the Student Member of the State Board of Education.
If a sender wishes to submit their letter directly to the State Board Office, please be sure that their letter is sent on or before the application deadline.
a copy of your school transcript
optional supplemental items, such as news articles, if you wish
Submit all materials at one time (unless you have letters of recommendation being submitted separately).
NOTE: No late applications will be accepted.
Complete application packages must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025. Please submit your application via email at: sbe@sbe.ca.gov, or online at 2026-27 SBE Student Applications.
A single PDF of the application, three letters of recommendation, transcript, and supplemental items is preferred.
Applicants will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours at the email address specified in the application.
NOTE: Applicants who do not receive a timely confirmation email should assume the application was not received by the SBE. Please contact the SBE Office at 916-319-0827 or sbe@sbe.ca.gov for questions.
Summary of the Selection and Appointment Process
Initial Screening and Selection of 12 Semifinalists
The SBE Screening Committee will review all applications and select 12 semifinalists from among the applicants. The decision of the Screening Committee is final.
Presentation and Selection of Six Final Candidates
The 12 semifinalists attend the Student Advisory Board on Education (SABE) conference, during which each semifinalist participates in conference activities, including delivering a speech. Over the course of the conference, SABE attendees select up to six final candidates. The selection of the six final candidates is final.
Interview and Selection of Three Finalists
During the SABE conference, the Screening Committee interviews each of the six final candidates and recommends three finalists to the SBE. At the November 2025 SBE meeting, the State Board will consider the Screening Committee’s recommendation and select the three finalists. SBE Staff then submit the names of the three finalists to the Governor. Interviews and the selection of three finalists will occur before and at the SBE’s November 5-6, 2025, meeting. The SBE’s recommendations to the Governor are final.
Appointment of the 2026-27 Student Member
Representatives of the Governor interview the three finalists, usually in the late spring or summer of the following year. Following those interviews, the Governor will select and appoint the 2026-2027 Student Member of the California State Board of Education.
To High School Students (who will be Seniors in 2026-2027 School Year)
From the State Board of Education President
Each year since 1969, a California public high school student has been selected to serve a one-year term on the State Board of Education. This direct student involvement has become an increasingly important factor in developing policies that guide the administration of the state's 1,100 school districts.
The value of student participation on the State Board was recognized by the Legislature and the Governor in 1983, when the Student Member was granted full participation and voting rights, including participation in closed sessions.
This announcement begins the process of selecting the 2026-2027 Student Board Member. If you are interested in the future of public education in California, qualified for the Student Board Member position, and prepared to devote the time required to this challenging and rewarding endeavor, I strongly urge you to apply. Whether working with the Governor to improve student wellness or teaching fellow students how to shape education policy, the Student Board Member amplifies youth voices and champions student perspectives in all areas of California public education.
Someone who reads this announcement will become the State Board’s 2026-2027 Student Board Member. Perhaps you will be that person!
Sincerely,
Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond, President
California State Board of Education
May 2025