Youth Aged 16 to 21 Invited to Apply to Governor Healey's Youth Advisory Council

Massachusetts residents aged 16 to 21 can apply to join Governor Maura Healey's Youth Advisory Council, which the governor is newly establishing as a body to advise her, along with her entire administration, on issues affecting the state, such as civic engagement, education, the environment, housing, and youth violence. The deadline for completing the online application is November 13, 2023.

“Young people are uniquely positioned to advise us on policies related to climate, education, mental health, gun violence and more – because they’ve grown up confronting these issues and it’s their futures that will be most impacted by the decisions we make today. I encourage young people across Massachusetts to apply for the council and help us meet the moment to make Massachusetts more affordable, competitive and equitable for all," said Governor Healey in a September press release about forming the Youth Advisory Council.

The council will include at least one representative from each county in the state, appointed to two-year terms. The members will meet with Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll quarterly. 

The application deadline has been extended from 11:59 p.m. on October 14th to a new deadline of November 13, 2023. Applicants must be at least 16 years old before the end of 2023. An online application is available by clicking here. Applicants will be asked to provide:

• Date of birth, email, phone number, and address.
• A guardian's email, phone number and address if the applicant is under 18 years of age.
• A personal essay (500 word maximum) answering one or more of these prompts:
  • What unique perspectives do you have that will contribute to the Youth Advisory Council determining and working to solve Massachusetts’ biggest youth issues?
  • Why do you want to help the Massachusetts Governor’s Office develop the change you desire in our community?
• A reference letter from an adult in the applicant's life, like a mentor, teacher, coach, employer, etc.

Questions about the Youth Advisory Council or the application process can be directed to Deputy Director of Community Affairs Jordan Chrispin at jordan.chrispin@mass.gov or Program Assistant Sage Scott at sage.a.scott@mass.gov.

Photo of Governor Maura Healey by Houses of the Oireachtas from Flickr.