Youth Advisory Council

The YAC was developed to increase the youth voice in healthcare, research, policies, and youth-serving agencies across Pennsylvania. We engage a diverse and inclusive group of youth and foster positive relationships between them and our adult facilitators.

The councils operate via regional and statewide meetings where the focus is either:

1. Providing feedback on ideas for healthcare, practices, and policies coming from the PA DOH or other youth-serving organizations across the state or,
2. Developing youth-led goals to provide insight on areas of interest/need.

Participating youth will:

1. Commit to a two-year term on the Youth Advisory Council (YAC).
2. Participate in 6 meetings per year equating to approximately 15-20 hours per year. Meeting format will include 5 virtual and 1 in-person over the summer with available travel reimbursement (hybrid option available).
3. NOT be asked to divulge any personal information but will be asked to share their opinions based on their experiences.
4. Complete the required web-based training to prepare to give their opinions as stakeholders.
5. Ensure timely completion of evaluation forms regarding the YAC.
6. Identify a trusted adult/parent/guardian who will serve as a backup contact for participants.
7. Be willing to provide permissions, clearances, and immunization status as appropriate for annual in-person conferences.
8. Bring forward any concerns/grievances that require escalation to either the Penn State team or regional adult facilitator.
9. Have real-life exposure to public health and policy issues and be eligible to request a letter of reference for college or career needs and/or have volunteer hours verified.

Interested in joining as one of our youth participants? Apply here!

Interested in getting feedback from the YAC?

Is the YAC right for you? Are you planning on:

• Getting feedback from youth aged 15-18 years old?
• A timeframe for receiving feedback of at least 60 days?
• Implementing the provided youth voice in policy and programming?

The council will meet to discuss topics submitted by the PA Department of Health and supporting agencies. Similar to the structure of a focus group, the goal of the YAC sessions is to obtain diverse ideas and perceptions on a topic of interest in an environment that fosters the expression of different points of view, with no pressure for consensus.

Submit an inquiry by clicking here.

This project is funded by the PA Department of Health’s Maternal and Child Health Block Grant.