Youth Advisory Council
Engaging Youth Voices to Shape Programs, Policies, and Initiatives in Adolescent Health
What is the Youth Advisory Council?
The Youth Advisory Council provides a platform for young people to actively participate in shaping community, organizational, and program development. Through the YAC, youth influence policy, programming, and action decisions related to maternal and child health.
Why partner with the YAC?
Organizations that work with youth can collaborate with the YAC to gather valuable youth feedback on their programs and initiatives. Past partners have leveraged the YAC to:
- Develop programming that directly addresses identified youth needs.
- Refine priorities by integrating youth perspectives.
- Guide content and logistics for future youth-focused initiatives and events.
Get Started Today!
Past Partnerships and Impact
Organizations that have successfully collaborated with the YAC include:
PA Department of Health
- Adolescent Mental Health: Identifying systemic barriers to mental health care.
- Suicide Prevention Pilot: Evaluating evidence-based strategies and local resources.
- Title V Five-Year Needs and Capacity Assessment: Engaging youth in reviewing health priorities and emergent issues.
- Health Resource Centers: Providing input on funding and program replacements.
Latino Connection
- Youth Addiction Prevention Summit: Advising on trends, mental health impacts, and workshop designs.
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How Youth Participate
Participating youth:
- Commit to a two-year term on the Youth Advisory Council (YAC).
- Participate in 6 meetings per year equating to approximately 15-20 hours per year. Meeting format includes 5 virtual and 1 in-person over the summer with available travel reimbursement (hybrid option available).
- Are NOT asked to divulge any personal information but will be asked to share their opinions based on their experiences.
- Complete the required web-based training to prepare to give their opinions as stakeholders.
- Ensure timely completion of evaluation forms regarding the YAC.
- Identify a trusted adult/parent/guardian who will serve as a backup contact for participants.
- Are willing to provide permissions, clearances, and immunization status as appropriate for annual in-person conferences.
- Bring forward any concerns/grievances that require escalation to either the Penn State team or regional adult facilitator.
- 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.
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Is the YAC the Right Fit for You?
The YAC collaborates with organizations in:
- Public Policy | Departments of Health, Education, and other government agencies.
- Community Programs | Health organizations, hospitals, youth-serving nonprofits.
- Schools | Administrators, school nurses, student wellness programs.
- Family & Parent Networks | PTOs, parent advocacy groups.
If your work involves adolescent health and youth engagement, the YAC can provide valuable insights!
How to Partner with the YAC
Step 1
Determine if the YAC is right for you.
- Your project should focus on adolescent health (e.g., mental health, policy, school health, etc.).
- Consider the YAC’s meeting schedule: 6 meetings per year (Jan–June, summer, fall).
- Types of feedback the YAC provides: program input & evaluation; review of promotional materials; data discussion; policy perspectives; strategic planning
Step 2
Submit a partner query.
Fill out this short YAC Partner Query Form with:
- Basic contact information
- A summary of your project and the feedback you need
- How you plan to use the feedback
- Any materials for review
Step 3
Collaborate with the YAC!
- We’ll work with you before, during, and after your engagement to ensure your needs are met.
- We follow up to see how the YAC’s insights shaped your work.
Get Started Today!
Engage with the YAC and make youth voices a core part of your initiative.
