There is a place for young people to make a difference in state government by serving as a member of the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council, a body composed entirely of high school students with the purpose of addressing issues affecting the youth of Louisiana. The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education is now accepting applications for membership on the youth council.

The purpose of the Legislative Youth Advisory Council is to facilitate communication between youth and the legislature and to give students an opportunity to be involved in the workings of government. Students selected to serve will have the opportunity to study and address issues of importance to youth. The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education oversees the work of the youth council and participates in the appointment of council members.

Thirty-one student members are appointed each year, which includes three members representing each of the six congressional districts and additional at-large members. Youth members must be between the ages of 14 and 19 and be enrolled in a public, private, or charter high school, a home school program, or a GED skills program for the 2025-2026 school year.

Application deadline:  Must be postmarked or submitted online no later than March 28, 2025.

Meetings are held in September, November, January, March, May, and there is a two-day seminar in July. The council always meets on Saturdays at the Louisiana Municipal Association building except for the two-day seminar which is held at the Louisiana State Capitol.

How did you hear about the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council?

PART II: PARENTAL CONSENT FORM: A parent or legal guardian must sign and submit a consent form for students applying to be considered.
 

PART III: RECOMMENDATION FORM & LETTERS: A school administrator, teacher, or representative of a community or school-sponsored club or organization (with a civic mission) writes and submits a letter of recommendation. Two recommendations are required. Two recommendations are required.

PART I. STUDENT APPLICATION

Please provide active email addresses as this is the method used to contact you.

I attend (check the appropriate box):

High School Grade Level in Fall of 2025: Check one:

(You may find the congressional district by accessing www.legis.la.gov. On the home page, under the "Who Are My Legislators" tab, enter the school address to find your district.)

SHORT ESSAY

We would like to learn more about you and why you are interested in representing youth in Louisiana. Briefly answer the following questions in 100 words or less.

The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education actively invites and encourages all high school students in grades 9 through 12, ages 14 to 19, to submit an application for membership on the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council. If your child is selected, every effort will be made to minimize any burden of council activities on your child's school responsibilities and other personal priorities, including any unnecessary personal financial burden on you and your family. However, you will be responsible for providing transportation to and from any meeting or event of the council.

I understand that the youth council may attract attention from the media and that my child may be photographed or filmed during any meeting or event. Therefore, I hereby grant permission to use photographs, video recordings, or other electronic or printed communications of my child, if selected. I understand that such photographs, recordings, or other communications may be used for public display on the official website of the Commission on Civic Education or in other publications referencing the participation of students as members of the youth council.

I, the undersigned, expressly release the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education, and any of its members and staff, any participating public official, or any other participating agency/organization from any and all claims which may arise during the term of my child's membership if he/she is selected.

PART III. RECOMMENDATION FORM & LETTER

A student may be considered for membership on the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council only upon the recommendation of one of the following: (1) a school administrator, (2) a teacher, (3) a representative of a home school program, (4) a representative of a GED skills program, or (5) a representative of a school-sponsored or community service club or organization which has a civic mission. Please submit only two letters.

Recommendation letters should highlight the student's civic interest, work ethic, leadership ability, ability to communicate effectively, and sense of responsibility.

Please email your completed letter to this address bellam@legis.la.gov

The letter will be placed with the appropriate student application.

If your application is not selected, would you still like to be involved and attend the LYAC meetings?

How did you hear about the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council?