APPLY TO BE A PART OF COYAC
The legislature’s nonpartisan Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC) has openings for new members across the state for the 2023-25 term. Applications are due June 19.
www.coyac.org
They will host an optional Zoom info session for applicants on Wednesday, June 14 at 6 p.m. Mountain Time. Find info at www.coyac.org/apply.
The Colorado Legislature created the Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC) in 2008 to give Colorado’s youth ages 14-19 a voice in lawmaking. Each summer, members propose policy ideas to a committee of legislators. Each summer, students present policy proposals to legislators. During the last two years, these policies became law.
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HB22-1052 - Promoting Crisis Services To Students
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SB22-008 - Higher Education For Foster Youth
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SB22-014 - Colorado Youth Advisory Council Updates
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SB23-008 Youth Involvement Education Standards Review
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SB23-014 Disordered Eating Prevention
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HB23-1009 Secondary School Student Substance Use
There are openings for new members across the state for the 2023-25 term. Apply by June 19 at www.coyac.org.
COYAC is a statewide organization dedicated to youth-led civic service learning. COYAC youth members lead policy committees that analyze issues and policies that impact youth across Colorado. Policy work can include making recommendations about current policies or advocating for new ones. COYAC members conduct research, write problem/solution statements, meet with subject matter experts, build relationships with legislators, and seek feedback from their peers and communities.
COYAC youth members must be
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Age 14-19
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Enrolled in and attending a Tribal or Colorado junior high, middle, or high school, including an online or charter school or approved facility school; be participating in a nonpublic, home-based educational program; be participating in a high school equivalency examination program; or have obtained a high school diploma through successful completion of a high school equivalency examination.
COYAC consists of 40 youth members:
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35 voting members representing each senate district in the state
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One voting member representing the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe
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One voting member representing the Southern Ute Indian Tribe
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Three non-voting at-large members to help ensure diversity on the council, with an expressed concern for adequate rural representation.
COYAC members participate in research, problem-solving, training opportunities, council meetings, and community outreach. Commitment and active participation are critical! COYAC members have worked on policy issues like suicide prevention, college readiness, standardized testing, refugee and LGBTQ+ needs, teen homelessness, teen substance use, Asian-American history in schools, violence against youth, and youth access to gender-affirming healthcare and hygiene products.
Apply here by June 19: www.coyac.org
