Boston teens invited to apply to the Mayor's Youth Council

Mayor Martin J. Walsh today invited Boston teens to apply for the 2018-2019 Mayor's Youth Council. The Mayor's Youth Council (MYC) is a model of youth inclusion in government and civic engagement that has spurred cities across the nation, and even internationally, to examine how they include youth in local government.

"I am incredibly proud of what our Mayor's Youth Council has been able to accomplish, and look forward to even more students sharing their voices and ideas on the Council," said Mayor Walsh. "The Mayor's Youth Council helps ensure we are making decisions that reflect what young people in Boston need to make our city even better, and I encourage all Boston teens to apply for this great opportunity."

The Mayor's Youth Council is a group of 85 high school-aged youth that are committed to improving their communities and empowering other young people in the city. The number of youth representing neighborhoods is based upon census data that indicates where young people live. 

MYC representatives form issue-centric subcommittees based on input from youth and Mayor Walsh's cabinet structure. In order to apply to be a neighborhood representative on the Mayor's Youth Council, students must be Boston residents and entering grades 9-12 (or of comparable age). All applicants will participate in a group interview and new applicants must submit a letter of recommendation.

"I joined the Mayor's Youth Council because I wanted to get involved in something bigger than myself," said Michael Martinez, a 17-year-old student from Roxbury. "The Youth Council is an opportunity for me to grow, learn, and to be a voice for other youth in the city of Boston."

In the past year, members of the MYC have worked on a variety of issues related to public safety, and civic engagement. The Mayor's Youth Council partners with youth organizations to write the rules and oversee the implementation of Youth Lead the Change, the community input process for how the City of Boston spends $1 million of the city budget. Youth Lead the Change has funded numerous projects across the city including the expansion of free wifi in Boston's neighborhoods, the installation of water bottle filling stations in parks and increased trash and recycling bins. 

The MYC is overseen by Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) Division of Youth Engagement & Employment. Northeastern University is a longtime sponsor of the Mayor's Youth Council. 

To learn more and to apply online, visit Boston.gov. The deadline is Monday, April 13, 2018.