The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY) has opened applications for the Oklahoma Youth Advisory Council (OYAC), a statewide program that brings high school students into direct conversation with state government.
The council, composed of students from across Oklahoma, is designed to give young people structured exposure to the legislative and policymaking process. Members meet during the school year to study issues affecting children and youth, develop policy proposals, and present recommendations to state leaders.
According to OCCY, the Youth Advisory Council focuses on public policy topics that impact Oklahoma students and families. Participants research selected issues, hear from subject-matter experts, and collaborate with peers from different regions of the state. The program typically culminates in formal presentations at the State Capitol.
The initiative operates under the Planning and Coordination division of the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, a state agency charged with improving services and outcomes for Oklahoma’s children. By incorporating student perspectives into its work, the commission aims to better understand how state policies affect young people directly.
Membership on the council is open to Oklahoma high school students. Selected participants serve for a defined term and are expected to attend scheduled meetings and complete assigned research and policy development work.
Programs such as OYAC reflect a broader trend in state government toward structured youth engagement in public policy. Rather than limiting civic participation to classroom instruction, the council places students inside the policymaking process itself, allowing them to observe, analyze, and contribute to discussions on issues that shape their daily lives.
Application details, eligibility requirements, and timelines are available through the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth website.
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