Maryland Youth Advisory Council Application 2024–2025: Leadership Opportunity for Young Changemakers in Maryland

Young leaders across the state of Maryland now have the opportunity to shape public policy, advocate for youth voices, and contribute directly to government decision-making through the Maryland Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) 2024–2025 application cycle. Established through the Maryland General Assembly in 2008, the council continues to empower youth by giving them a platform to influence laws, programs, and policies affecting young people throughout Maryland.

Applications for the 2024–2025 Maryland Youth Advisory Council are open from March 1 to June 30, 2024. This prestigious youth leadership opportunity is designed for passionate young individuals who are committed to advocacy, civic engagement, and community impact.

What is the Maryland Youth Advisory Council?

The Maryland Youth Advisory Council was created to ensure that young people in Maryland have a direct voice in public affairs and policymaking. The council serves as a bridge between Maryland youth and government leaders, including the Governor, legislators, state agencies, and community organizations.

Through testimony, policy recommendations, youth engagement initiatives, and legislative participation, council members help shape decisions that affect the future of Maryland’s youth population.

The initiative is supported by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy and works in collaboration with several student and youth organizations across the state.

Why the Maryland Youth Advisory Council Matters

The Maryland Youth Advisory Council provides youth with more than just volunteer experience. It creates a meaningful pathway for civic participation and leadership development.

Selected members gain practical exposure to:

• Public policy development
• Legislative advocacy
• Government operations
• Leadership and teamwork
• Community engagement
• Public speaking and testimony
• Networking with policymakers and youth leaders

This opportunity allows youth to become active contributors to statewide conversations about education, justice, youth development, and social change.

Responsibilities of Council Members

Youth selected to join the Maryland Youth Advisory Council are expected to actively participate and contribute throughout their term. Council members will:

1. Represent Maryland Youth

Members are expected to be passionate advocates for young people and serve as active representatives of youth voices statewide.

2. Attend Council Meetings

Council members must attend at least 66% of regular meetings. Members who fail to meet attendance requirements may be removed from the council.

3. Identify Youth Issues

Participants will discuss pressing challenges affecting youth in Maryland, including education, safety, health, opportunity access, and social equity.

4. Develop Solutions and Strategies

Members collaborate with peers to propose ideas and strategies that address youth-related concerns and improve policies.

5. Serve as Community Liaisons

Council participants connect with youth organizations and peers within their local communities to gather perspectives and strengthen outreach.

6. Participate in the Maryland Legislative Session

Members may:

• Provide testimony in Annapolis
• Track legislative bills
• Meet with lawmakers
• Advocate for policy improvements

7. Build Leadership Skills

The program offers hands-on leadership development and professional growth opportunities.

8. Network With Other Youth Leaders

Participants meet and collaborate with talented young people from across Maryland.

9. Enjoy a Meaningful Experience

The council emphasizes both impact and engagement, ensuring participants gain valuable experiences while enjoying the journey.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following conditions to qualify:

• Be between 14 and 22 years old as of September 1, 2024
• Be willing to serve a two-year term
• Be committed to active participation and youth advocacy
• Be interested in leadership, civic engagement, and policymaking

The council term runs from September 1 through August 31.

Applicants cannot serve more than one term.

Diversity and Representation

The Maryland Youth Advisory Council prioritizes diverse representation across the state. Selection considerations include:

• Gender representation
• Racial diversity
• Geographic representation across Maryland

This approach helps ensure that youth from different communities and backgrounds have an opportunity to participate and contribute.

Appointment Process

Council members are appointed by key leadership offices and organizations, including:

• Governor of Maryland
• President of the Maryland Senate
• Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates

Additional nominations are coordinated through the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy in partnership with:

• Maryland Association of Student Councils
• University System of Maryland Student Council
• Maryland Higher Education Commission Student Advisory Council
• Maryland Association of Local Management Boards

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Completed application form
2. Resume
3. Completed recommendation form

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Deadline for Applications

The official application deadline is:

June 30, 2024

Applicants are encouraged to apply early and ensure all supporting documents are submitted before the deadline.

Application Information Sessions

The Maryland Youth Advisory Council is hosting two virtual information sessions for interested applicants.

Session Dates

• Thursday, May 30 at 7:00 PM
• Sunday, June 2 at 2:00 PM

These sessions provide an opportunity for applicants to:

• Learn more about the council
• Understand the application process
• Ask questions directly to current council members

Potential applicants are encouraged to RSVP and attend.

Benefits of Joining the Maryland Youth Advisory Council

Participating in the council offers several long-term advantages for youth leaders:

• Leadership and advocacy experience
• Exposure to government and policymaking
• Public speaking and communication development
• Networking opportunities with state leaders
• Resume enhancement for college and career applications
• Opportunities to influence real policy decisions
• Collaboration with youth from diverse communities

This experience can also strengthen future applications for scholarships, internships, fellowships, and leadership programs.

How to Get More Information

Applicants with questions can contact:

Christina Drushel Williams
Email: christina.drushel@maryland.gov

For official updates and application details, visit the official Maryland Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy website.

Apply here

 

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here
• More global Youth Leadership Council  opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here