2026 Application Cycle Opens
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Apply to Join the Youth Advisory Council (YAC)!
The Commission’s Youth Advisory Council provides young women and girls* in California (ages 14–20) with a meaningful platform to engage with the Commission’s legislative work and help shape and elevate policies that impact their lives. Youth have the opportunity to connect with other youth across the state, develop advocacy and leadership skills, obtain hands-on experience with California’s policy process, participate in mentorship, and have transformative conversations about the needs of our state’s young people.
Girls Making a Difference
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a group of young women and girls* (ages 14-20) in California brought together to increase youth involvement in California’s public policy efforts. Through this Council, the Commission shall keep youth engaged through thoughtful conversations, experienced speakers, and advocacy and leadership development, resulting in the development of a Girls Agenda for the Commission.
YAC members:
- Provide important youth perspective on youth-related policy issues
- Collaborate on solutions and recommendations to address important issues impacting them
- Advocate for policy priorities that are important to youth, including education, healthcare, safety, menstrual equity, etc.
- Serve as local Commission youth ambassadors and liaisons within their local communities
- Receive mentorship and professional development training from the Commission throughout the year
- Develop valuable leadership skills and network with fellow members across California
YAC members are expected to serve a one-year term from November 2026 to August 2027.
When is the application due?
The application will open on May 15, 2026 and is due by July 15, 2026 before 11:59 pm.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible to apply, an applicant must be ages 14-20 at the time they apply, be able to serve a full one-year term between November 2026 and August 2027, virtually attend 6 meetings throughout the year (approximately 2 hours each, between the hours of 8 am-5 pm), be available to meet between the hours of 8 am-5 pm when necessary for meetings, and engage in approximately 4 hours of advocacy, outreach, or support each month.
The Youth Advisory Council meets virtually and so applicants of all geographic locations in California, backgrounds, and identities are eligible and encouraged to apply.
The Commission is gender-expansive and accepts applicants who are cis women and girls, trans women and girls, nonbinary individuals, gender-conforming individuals, genderqueer individuals, and any women or girl identified individuals.
How Do I Apply?
- Complete and submit application form (Microsoft form). Application acceptance period opens on May 15, 2026.
- Complete essay questions (included in the Microsoft form). Application acceptance period opens on May 15, 2026.
- 1 Resume emailed to yac@women.ca.gov (cover letter optional). Include your name and YAC application year in the subject line (i.e. Mary Johnson – 2026-2027 YAC application). Please include both resume and letters of recommendation in one email.
- 1 Letter of Recommendation emailed to yac@women.ca.gov. Letters of recommendation should come from individuals who can speak to applicants’ skill sets, experiences, activities, and leadership. Letters may come from teachers, mentors, coaches, etc. (but should not be from a parent). Include your name and YAC application year in the subject line (i.e. Mary Johnson – 2026-2027 YAC application). Please include both resume and letters of recommendation in one email.
Applicants should complete all parts of the application and submit all required documentation in order to be considered. Partial or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Key Dates
When will I be notified of the status of my application?
Applicants shall be notified of their application status in September 2026. Applicants should continue to monitor the email they provided in their application for updates on the status of their application. Applicants are also encouraged to monitor the Commission’s social media pages for updates and other important information.
Need Help or Have Questions?
For any questions, please email yac@women.ca.gov
*All references to ‘women and girls’ include gender-expansive individuals (cis women and girls, trans women and girls, nonbinary individuals, gender-nonconforming individuals, genderqueer individuals, and any women or girl identified individuals).