Youth Advisory Council

What is the Youth Advisory Council?

Are you passionate about social justice and educational issues?

Do you think young people should have a say in what happens in their schools?

We're recruiting for our 2nd cohort of the OCS Youth Advisory Council! This program will help strengthen your leadership skills as you serve as an advisor to the Office of Community Schools and the Department of Education.

Work with a group of your peers to lift up youth voice and transform NYC schools!

Why Should I Join?

  • You'll get a chance to make real change in your school and across the city of New York!

  • You'll build up leadership skills, like public speaking and interviewing!

  • You'll help empower your peers through advocacy work!

  • You'll work together with a bunch of like-minded students - start building those networks!

  • You'll meet with key leaders at the DOE and in your community--talk directly to the change makers, learn how they got there and what you can do to be in their shoes!

  • Best of all? You'll get compensated to do all of this!

The Deadline to Apply is October 1st, 2021!

What do I need to apply?

What you will need:

What you won't need:

  • To have perfect grades.

  • To have a really long list of achievements.

Timeline of Events

  • Early September: Application Goes Live

  • October 1st: Deadline to apply

  • Mid-late October: Selected Participants will be notified

  • November - January: Pick up leadership skills through our workshops and other experiences.

  • February - April: Meet with DOE staff, community leaders, and your peers to put together a project.

  • April - May: Come up with a list of recommendations.

  • June: Present your research and recommendations to OCS.

Questions or Concerns? Contact José Dobles, OCS Program Manager, at jdobles@schools.nyc.gov