Youth Advisory Council

The Syracuse Common Council has created the Syracuse Youth Advisory Council (SYAC) to increase civic education and engage Syracuse young people in local and state government. In collaboration with the Syracuse City School District, the Syracuse Common Council is hosting a four-day hands-on experience where students will:

  • Learn about local and state government and engage with community and elected leaders including the Mayor and members of the Syracuse Common Council.
  • Be given an inside look at community development projects, areas in need, as well as services available in the community.
  • Identify issues in the City of Syracuse and develop a plan to host a city forum of elected officials.
  • Demonstrate their understanding of the issues through participation in the city forum with city and community leaders.

Phase One of the Syracuse Youth Advisory Council

This year the first phase of SYAC will take place from February 12 – March 12, 2025. Below is the schedule at a glance: 

Date

Time

Expedition

Location

February 12, 2025

8AM – 1PM

City Hall Tour, Meet Mayor and observe Study Session

City Hall and The Van B. Robinson Common Council Chambers

February 26, 2025

8AM – 1PM

Explore Syracuse History, Community and Government

City Hall, City Wide Bus Tour and Onondaga County Historical Association

March 5, 2025

8AM – 1PM

Student Preparation Session

City Hall

March 12, 2025

8AM – 1PM

SYAC Town Hall Style Forum with Common Council

The Van B. Robinson Common Council Chambers

 

Phase Two of the Syracuse Youth Advisory Council

*Students who aspire to continue to phase two of the Syracuse Youth Advisory Council will have the opportunity to embark on critical research of a community issue and create a research action plan to address the issue, eventually making recommendations to the Common Council and community partners.  This action plan will be done in an independent study throughout the winter and spring semesters culminating in a final exhibition in May of 2025.  Students participating in phase two of the Syracuse Youth Advisory Council will be rewarded points to the final Capstone requirement for the Seal of Civic Readiness/Civics Pathway CTE Endorsement in adherence with the Syracuse City School District and New York State Department of Education.  Additionally, for students completing the full program the Syracuse City Council will award a certificate of completion and other amenities.

Who can apply?

Residents of the City of Syracuse who attend 9th to 12th grade at a Syracuse City School District school; a parochial school; or a charter school. Prior City of Syracuse Youth Advisory Council participants are not eligible.

Applications

We are no longer accepting applications for this year's program.

 

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