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 December 2 – 5, 2024. Below is the schedule at a glance:
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Date
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Time
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Expedition
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Location
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December 2, 2024
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8AM – 1PM
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Explore Syracuse History, Community and Government
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City Hall, City Wide Bus Tour and Onondaga Historical Association
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December 3, 2024
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8AM – 1PM
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Explore Community Issues and City Hall in Action!
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City Hall
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December 4, 2024
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8AM – 1PM
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Creating a Forum for Civic Action and attend a Common Council Study Session
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City Hall
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December 5, 2024
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8AM – 1PM
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SYAC
Community Forum
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The Van B. Robinson Common Council Chambers
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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.
Click on the link to apply to the Syracuse Youth Advisory Council today!
Applications for Syracuse Youth Advisory Council are being accepted until November 15, 2024. The program capacity is 25 students.