You’re never too young to make a difference!

The Philadelphia Youth Commission (PYC) is looking for civically minded young people to join the Commission! The PYC is the official youth branch of City government.  The Youth Commission is appointed by and advises both the Mayor and City Council of Philadelphia on all legislation and policy as it relates to youth.

Along with its legislative responsibilities, the Commission, composed of 21 members, also works to bridge the gap between adult policymakers and youth by holding public, youth-centered, and youth-led events on the issues affecting Gen-Z residents.

The Mission.

The Philadelphia Youth Commission works with the City, community organizations, nonprofits, and private entities to improve the lives of Philadelphia’s youth. Members of the PYC:

• Advise the Mayor, City Council, Philadelphia Schools, and other decision-makers on issues relating to young people.
• Comment on legislation and policies that impact youth.
• Create public service programs that improve the lives of youth.
• Monitor and measure the effectiveness of youth programs and policies.
• Partner with neighborhood youth organizations on shared issues.

Standing Committees

PYC’s standing committees address issues that are important to young people. These committees:

• Discuss and share ideas.
• Review legislation.
• Make recommendations to the City and other organizations.

The Education Committee promotes quality education in Philadelphia. They work with local school districts and the City to improve our schools.

The Public Safety Committee focuses on youth violence, the police, and the juvenile justice system. They aim to break the cycle of violence and teach young people how to safely resolve conflicts.

The Health and Recreation Committee works to improve the well-being of young Philadelphians. This includes their environment and their access to recreation. As part of their work, committee members arrange programming about health and human services.

The Jobs and Economics Committee helps young Philadelphians become more job-ready. They focus on internship opportunities and youth employment.

Eligibility

Applicants to the Commissions must be Philadelphia residents and between 12 and 24 years old. They should be interested in public service and eager to represent their peers at the highest level of Philadelphia government.  All Commission members are expected to attend monthly general body meetings & special events as necessary. Young Philadelphians can apply through the application linked below. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply as early as you can!

You can find the Philadelphia Youth Commission on Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok by following @PHLYouth