What does the National Youth Advisory Council do?
Council members advocate for their peers and contribute to decision-making about the youth development strategies and programs that BGCA creates for Boys & Girls Clubs and military-affiliated youth programs around the world. Members:
- Serve for one school year.
- Participate in an in-person kick-off event and 10 monthly virtual meetings, with the expectation of missing no more than one meeting per semester. NOTE: BGCA will cover the costs for NYAC members and their advisors to travel to the in-person kick-off event. If any selected NYAC member needs technology resources to participate in the monthly virtual meetings, BGCA will also cover those costs.
- Collaborate with BGCA staff on national programs and initiatives and use their unique perspectives to help BGCA better support local Clubs and Youth Centers.
What are the benefits of serving on the Council?
Council members:
- Build relationships with other teens from across the country and world.
- Develop leadership and professional skills through hands-on experience and mentorship.
- Learn research skills and gather feedback from their peers.
- Earn $50 for each meeting they attend (for a total of up to $500).
Eligibility and How to Apply
The 2026-27 application is now closed.
To apply, you:
- Must be a current member of a BGCA-affiliated Boys & Girls Club or Youth Center between the ages of 14 and 17.
- Will need to have a staff advisor who will guide and support you throughout the program. (Review the Staff Advisor Expectations.)
Before you apply, we encourage you to:
- Think about your schedule for the next school year – would serving on this Council fit with your other commitments and goals?
- Talk with your family about the opportunity and the responsibilities you’ll have if you’re selected.
- Identify a staff member at your Club or Youth Center who knows you well and ask them to be your advisor. On the application you will be asked to provide their name and contact information. Staff advisors may be asked to write a recommendation.
Timeline for Selection Process
| March 2 | NYAC application opens |
| March 20 | Deadline for YAC application submissions |
| April 3 | Candidates selected for next phase |
| April 6 | Next-phase candidates’ staff advisor recommendations open |
| April 6 | Next-phase candidates’ video submission portal opens |
| April 10 | Deadline for staff advisor recommendations |
| April 15 | Deadline for next-phase candidates’ video submissions |
| Week of April 27 | Notifications sent to selected Council members |
| Week of June 22 | Council members’ virtual orientation meeting |
| Week of June 22 | Staff advisors’ virtual safety briefing meeting |
| July 8-9 | In-person kick-off event in Atlanta, Georgia |
| August 20 | First monthly virtual NYAC meeting |
“It gives amazing exposure to new communities of people and brings in so many different cultures, perspectives and opinions. You’re stepping into a world that acknowledges you, your voice and your background, because in a room full of fellow council members, you embrace the differences, make friends, and feel as if the National Youth Advisory Council is a second home.”
— Makia W., Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff, Arizona
“NYAC has directly empowered me to use my voice. This is because we are now in the position to advocate for what we believe in directly to the people who can make change. And because of this council, I am also making change. I have been able to collaborate with national staff on new programs, surveys, projects and more!”
— Holden J., Boys & Girls Club of Benton County, Arkansas
“Getting out of my own bubble and meeting people from across the country — and discussing issues that affect our communities — has been my favorite part.”
— Jakeclaude M., Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, Florida
“It’s really the community here — being able to share my ideas and see everyone else’s ideas. It’s welcoming, and everyone is just as passionate about making change in the community.”
— Crystal L., John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton, Massachusetts
