Youth Leadership Opportunities in San Mateo County

There are many opportunities for youth to lead in San Mateo County!

If you are reading this and you know of another Youth Board or leadership opportunity, please email me at [email protected] to add it to this list!

allcove San Mateo Youth Advisory Group - Application (accepting applications through June 11, 2023) See more info at the website.

allcove Youth Advisory Group - Application

Belmont Youth Advisory Committee
The Youth Advisory Committee serves as the teen perspective on real life issues facing the City of Belmont. The YAC allows teens to work directly with adults while remaining focused on increasing civic engagement in Belmont. The YAC is for students who want to get involved in local government, socialize and debate hot topics, and who want to better prepare themselves for college and life beyond. Open to Belmont residents, grades 7th-12th.

Brisbane Youth Advisory Committee - Application
The Brisbane Parks & Recreation department is seeking dedicated, enthusiastic and motivated teens to join the Youth Advisory Committee. Committee members have the important duty of advising the Parks & Recreation Commission and Recreation staff as to the concerns and interests of the youth and teens in the Brisbane community. YAC members can also help plan special events, field trips, dances, and enrichment programs & classes for teens. Must be a Brisbane resident between the ages of 12-18.

Burlingame Youth Advisory Committee - Application
Youth Advisory Committee members have the important duty of advising the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Recreation program staff as to the concerns and interests of youth and teens in the Burlingame Community. This may include programs 7th-12th graders who live or go to school in Burlingame. May 2022 relating to safety, recreation, alcohol & drug awareness, education, special interests, sports, community involvement, socialization, politics and policy, community development, and environmental concerns.

Burlingame-Hillsborough Youth Poet Laureate Program - Information 
The Youth Poet Laureate represents Burlingame-Hillsborough and its youth at public events and is a model for other youth through their commitment to artistic excellence, civic engagement and social impact. Applications for the 2024-2025 Burlingame-Hillsborough Youth Poet Laureate will open on January 1, 2024. 

City of San Mateo Youth Activities Council - Application
The Youth Activity Council, established originally as Youth Advisory Council in 2003, provides experiences and opportunities for the youth population by providing safe and enjoyable activities; creating community through special events; enhancing leadership and decision-making skills; providing service learning experiences; practicing civic participation and empowering our youth's voice with our decision makers. Contact City for information.

City of San Mateo Youth Commissioner for Parks & Recreation - Application
Be a part of shaping your city's future as a Youth Commissioner for Parks & Recreation. We are looking for our first-ever youth commissioners to help advise our San Mateo Parks & Recreation Commission. There are two open, non-voting seats available. Youth commissioners will be appointed by the City Council and make history as our first San Mateo teens to serve on a commission!
Youth Commissioner to Park and Recreation Commission:
Application deadline: September 13, 2023, 5:00pm. 
Eligibility: Open to youth 13-17 years old who are living or studying in the City of San Mateo. 
*The commission meets once a month at 7:00pm, on the first Wednesday and advises the City Council on the acquisition, development, beautification and maintenance of public parks, landscape resources, public recreation facilities, budget, and programs of Park & Recreation activities. Let your voice be heard!

County of San Mateo Youth Commission - Application (accepting applications through June 5, 2023)
The San Mateo County Youth Commission (SMCYC) is a youth-led, advisory board to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. SMCYC is looking for passionate young people between the ages of 13 and 21 who reside and attend school in San Mateo County (SMC), to join a strong, energetic group of youth dedicated to making a difference in our community. As a Youth Commissioner, you can improve the lives of all young people throughout SMC, offer youth perspective on important issues facing our community, and work directly with the Board of Supervisors and County departments as a leader and voice for youth in the county.

County of San Mateo Behavioral Health Commission - Youth Action Board - Application (accepting applications through June 5, 2023)
The San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commission's (BHC) Youth Committee launched a Youth Action Board (YAB) of young people (ages 14-21) fiercely committed to healing, empowering and inspiring the mental and behavioral health of emerging generations. With the youth mental health crisis, it is essential that the voices of young people, the experiences of young people and the power of young people have a seat at decision-making tables to co-design public health solutions. 

Daly City Youth Advisory Committee - Application
The Daly City Youth Advisory Committee is an advisory board of the Daly City Recreation Services. Must be a resident of Daly City.

Daly City Youth Poet Laureate Program - Information 
The program celebrates teen poets who live or attend school in Daly City and exhibit a commitment to artistic excellence, civic engagement, leadership, and social justice. Next application window in October 2023.

Foster City Youth Advisory Council - Application
The Foster City Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) shall exist as a citizens' group to advise and respond to the City Council in all matters related to the needs of the youth in Foster City and to promote teen involvement in the community. Any resident of Foster City who will be of middle school and/or high school age during the next committee term following his or her appointment is eligible.

Half Moon Bay  Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) - Application
The Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) consists of seven Half Moon Bay citizens who advise the City Council, Planning Commission, and the Parks and Recreation Commission. As part of implementation of the City’s General Plan Complete Streets Policy, BPAC provides advice about circulation system improvements and programs to encourage cycling and walking as a means of transportation and recreation. 1 Must be must age 17 or younger to be eligible.

Intergenerational Mental Wellness Project - Information
Founded by Lauren Lin, current Burlingame-Hillsborough Youth Poet Laureate and also founder of Roe for Change.

Menlo Park Youth Advisory Committee - Application
The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) advises the Parks and Recreation Commission on activities, events and programs for Menlo Park youth. Students enrolling in grades 9 -12 and who live in Menlo Park city limits are eligible.

Millbrae Youth Advisory Committee - Application
A forum for discussion and resolution of issues affecting youth and facilitate communication between youth and City Government. The Committee will advise the City Council on matters affecting youth which do not involve or pertain to proposals on capital spending programs and provide input to other City Commissions and Committees with respect to matters pertaining to youth as may affect the City of Millbrae. Middle school and high school students residing in Millbrae. (Do not need to attend school there.)

Pacifica Youth Advisory Board
The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is made up of volunteer High School students that want to make a difference in our community. They are a dedicated group of young leaders who will plan special events and also participate in Parks, Beaches & Recreation events and activities. Any Pacifica resident entering grades 9-12 in the fall is eligible for membership

Peninsula Health Care District (PHCD) Youth Advisory Group
The Youth Advisory Group will ensure that youth is at the forefront of PHCD initiatives related to youth and young adults. Youth 16-25 living in San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo, or Foster City.

Poetry Out Loud - Information
Poetry Out Loud (POL) is a national arts education program and annual competition that empowers high school students to have the confidence to make themselves heard, using one of the most powerful tools at their disposal—poetry. It encourages teens to learn about poetry through memorization, performance, and competition. 

Redwood City Youth & Teen Advisory Boards - Application
Redwood City's Youth and Teen Advisory Boards offer teens a chance to speak up on issues that concern them and their peers. Youth Advisory Board members:
Youth Advisory Board: Any resident of the City of Redwood City who will be entering 6th May 2022 are 6th, 7th and 8th graders; the Teen Advisory Board is for high school students. through 8th during the committee term.
Teen Advisory Board: Any resident of the City of Redwood City who will be entering 9th through 12th during the committee term.

San Carlos Youth Advisory Council - Application
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a group of volunteer middle school and high school students appointed by the City Council. The YAC’s role is to advise the Parks & Recreation Department and the Youth Center staff on activities, events, and programs to meet the needs of our students. The YAC strengthens the image of community for our young people in San Carlos. Any resident of San Carlos who will be 12 to 18 years of age during the committee term will be eligible for membership.

South San Francisco Youth Advisory Council - Application
This is an opportunity for students and youth to engage in local government while learning about how decisions made affect daily life and how Boards and Commissions are involved in the process. You'll have the chance to express a youth voice on pressing issues in South San Francisco. SSF residents between the ages 14-21; must be at least in 9th grade.

South San Francisco Youth Poet-in-Residence - Information 
SSF Youth Poet-in-Residence is a one-year position awarded to a unique individual committed to engaging the public through poetry. The goal of this residency is to celebrate our community's diverse cultures through artistic expression and to encourage dialogue and unity under the leadership of the Youth Poet-in-Residence.

SSFPL Makerspace Student Residency - Information 
SSF students 16+ gain dedicated access/training to makerspace equipment, project storage/display space, and meetings with SSFPL staff for 6 months. Students give back to the community by delivering at least one workshop on makerspace equipment and display of work with one project showcase. Applications will re-open in the fall for the January-June 2024 residency. 

Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing - Youth Advisory Group - Application
A group of young people who represent diversity across race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, lived expression, ability and socio-economic status. They are passionate about affecting change and connecting with other youth to increase access to mental health care. As youth advisors, they serve as community advocates with a focus on raising awareness, reducing stigma, encouraging young people to seek help early, and educating the larger community about youth mental health. They do this through community education and school-based activities and events, listening sessions, social media engagement, and participation in youth-led projects​.

STAR VISTA Crisis Center Youth Advisory Board - Application
The Crisis Center YAB is a youth-led committee of young leaders who want to advocate for youth voices in mental health and crisis services. The YAB interacts with Crisis Center programs and Outreach services by centering youth perspectives and creating relationships with youth in their community.​

Youth Climate Ambassador Leadership Program - Information
​Climate change is the issue of our time. While climate change will touch the lives of many, younger generations will be the ones to witness and experience some of the most extreme environmental changes due to a warming planet. Actions today play an important role in shaping the future of tomorrow. The Youth Climate Ambassadors (YCA) Leadership Program aims to ensure younger generations have the skills and knowledge to play a leadership role in taking action on climate change. Together, Citizens Environmental Council of Burlingame, Peninsula Clean Energy, San Mateo County Office of Education, and the County of San Mateo’s Office of Sustainability have partnered to create the YCA Leadership Program to grow and support emerging climate leaders across San Mateo County.
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Youth Cultural Ambassadors Program - Information
GOALS: To foster a love of arts as a vehicle for self-expression and civic engagement among young people in San Mateo County. To build community through arts and culture with the goal of greater youth involvement in the community. To highlight the role of arts and culture in STEAM and other public discourse.
ELIGIBILITY: Open to artists aged 15 to 19.  Specializing in one or more art disciplines (ex. literary, visual arts, theater, music, digital, etc.). Experience in community events, projects, or outreach (desired). Able to serve as Youth Cultural Ambassador for one year beginning July 2023. Be a San Mateo County resident. Up to five (5) Youth Cultural Ambassadors will be appointed, including a Youth Poetry Ambassador.