Meet the National Youth Advisory Council for Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Congratulations to the first group of young people selected for our National Youth Advisory Council!
The council is composed of teens, aged 15 to 18, from Boys & Girls Clubs and Youth Centers on U.S. military bases across our federation. They will advise the national office on programs and services for Clubs during the 2025-26 school year.
Interested in applying for the 2026-27 NYAC? Find more information here.
From left to right: Holden J., Boys & Girls Club of Benton County, Arkansas.; Marley G., Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, Texas; Sophia F., Sarah Heinz House, Pennsylvania; Crystal L., John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton, Massachusetts; Brook’Lynn H., Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota; Britany G., Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada; Jakeclaude M., Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, Florida; Jacquelyn “Jacky” F., Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena, California; Natalia S-R., JBG Lewis-McChord CYS Services, Washington; Makia W., Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff, Arizona; Serigne B., Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, Georgia.
Get to know each current member and what they bring to the council.
Read the national press release officially announcing the launch of the Council.
Highlights from Council Members’ Work
Look here for occasional updates on the Council members’ work during their term of service.
Youth Voice in Action: NYAC Members Advise BGCA’s Board Leaders
Two members of the National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC) met with BGCA’s Board of Governors in New York City on December 2-3, 2025. Jacquelyn “Jacky” F. from Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena, California and Natalia S.-R., from JBG Lewis-McChord CYS Services in Washington state, represented the NYAC and young people in their Club and Youth Center in a panel discussion with the board members. They answered questions about their life experiences and aspirations, their work on the NYAC and how Clubs and Youth Centers can more effectively serve young people. Natalia and Jacky passionately advocated for the supports young people need and want, earning a standing ovation from the board members!
NYAC Member Inspires BGCA’s National Staff
NYAC member Makia W. from Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff, Arizona inspired BGCA’s national staff in a “Mission Moment” at their October 2025 virtual meeting. Makia, who is a citizen of the Navajo Nation and a first-year student at Northern Arizona University, shared details about her cultural heritage, her Club experience, her educational goals and why the NYAC work is important to her.
