Apply by June 5 for the Colorado Youth Advisory Council
Special to the HT
RBC | The state legislature’s nonpartisan Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC) seeks new members, ages 14-19, for the 2026-27 term. Applications close on June 5, and COYAC will host a virtual information session on Sunday, May 31. Learn more at coyac.org/apply.
Open seats:
• One seat for a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe
• One seat for a member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe
• State senate districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 31, 32, 34 (Find your senate district)
• Three at-large seats selected to help ensure diversity on the council, with an express concern for adequate rural representation
Current member and high school senior Sophie Tipper says, “COYAC is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become civically involved before the age of 18. While we as youth might not be able to vote, we are able to directly influence policy for our generation. I’ve learned lifelong skills in research, outreach, public speaking, media training, etc. COYAC opens the floor for deep debate on issues facing youth and allows members to critically think about problems facing our state. The support network created by COYAC encourages students to think outside the box and constructs a lifelong community. As a member of COYAC, I am able to see problems in my community, bring them to legislators, and work with my committee to reach a beneficial resolution. COYAC gives a voice to all youth wanting to be heard, and teaches youth how to become civic leaders long into the future.”
COYAC is a statewide organization dedicated to youth-led civic service learning. COYAC youth members chair policy committees that analyze issues impacting youth across Colorado. Policy recommendations can include amending current laws or advocating for new ones. COYAC members conduct research, write problem/solution memos, meet with subject matter experts, build relationships with legislators, and seek feedback from their peers and communities. COYAC proposals have inspired new Colorado laws reducing food waste in schools, supporting youth mental health, adding youth involvement in state education standards and environmental justice work, addressing substance abuse, and more. Learn more at coyac.org/our-work.
What students gain from COYAC
• Practical knowledge about how laws are made in Colorado
• Training and practice in nonpartisanship and civility
• Leadership, negotiation skills, and experience working and learning with diverse groups of people across Colorado
• Personal accountability, accomplishment, and confidence
• Skills in public speaking, research, and outreach
• Opportunity to build relationships in Colorado government, policy, and advocacy
• New friends!
Apply by June 5 at coyac.org/apply.
