The Young Adult Leadership Council (YALC) is a paid, work-based learning program for young people to grow as leaders and be voices for change. YALC members are between 16 – 25 years old and have experienced homelessness, foster care, juvenile justice involvement, or other youth-serving systems.
Over 12 months, members work hand-in-hand with TNOYS’ staff, board, and partners to guide the organization’s future and influence stronger, more equitable services so all young people can thrive.
Your Voice Matters: Join the YALC Today!
Applications for the 2024- 2025 YALC cohort are open through August 23, 2024.
- Earn $15 per hour with a minimum of 10 hours per week;
- Grow as a leader and changemaker in youth services;
- Build critical skills for your future.
Investing in Youth and Young Adults to Build Change
Our work at TNOYS would not be possible without the firsthand expertise, passion, and unique talents of our YALC members. The 12-month program is packed with skill-building opportunities and the chance to get involved across everything TNOYS does, from events to storytelling and policy advocacy. Previous members have described the YALC as a valuable support system that equipped them to grow as leaders and achieve their goals.
Are you a youth or young adult who’s interested? By joining the YALC you will:
- Learn New Skills: Become career-ready with skill-building in communication, leadership, resume writing, and much more.
- Grow as a Leader and Advocate: Build a foundation for systems-change by understanding advocacy, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the seven systems that TNOYS works within. Learn about and engage in Youth Participatory Action Research to influence positive youth and community development.
- Amplify Your Voice: Develop and give trainings for youth services professionals, including at TNOYS’ Annual Conference. Learn how to tell your story in an impactful way, present on issues you care about, and inspire others to take action.
- Make an Impact on the Ground: Plan and participate in state and local events to listen to and learn from community members and educate peers, partners organizations, legislators, and government officials.
- Partner with TNOYS Leadership: Work hand-in-hand with the TNOYS staff and Board of Directors to make sure lived expertise guides the organization’s strategy and highest-level decisions.
- And much more!
Corina is a young adult from El Paso who graduated from the 2023 – 2024 YALC cohort. Check out what Corina had to say about the experience:
Interested in Applying? Here’s What You Need to Know
Read about the criteria below and apply here.
Eligibility:
- Be between the ages of 16 and 25 and based in Texas.
- Have lived experience in our systems: child welfare/foster care, juvenile justice system, homelessness, victim/ survivor services, health & behavioral health, education, and higher education/ workforce
- Wish to learn, educate, influence change, and take youth services to the next level.
Commitment:
- Be able to join us for a 12-month commitment.
- Attend a weekly, 4-hour mandatory meeting every Friday from 10am to 2pm. Must also attend at least one check in meeting during the week for 30 minutes.
- Be willing to educate the public, policymakers, youth practitioners, and other youth on systems-involved youth.
- Be willing to be out and public about your work with TNOYS through media such as photos, website features, speaking engagements, etc.
Benefits:
- Gain experience in the following areas and more: advocacy, youth-led training, leadership development, and professional development.
- Collaborate with executive staff and key decision-makers at TNOYS and other agencies.
- Build relationships and increase your leadership and communication skills.
- Get paid $15 an hour for 10 hours a week with more hours based on performance and interest.
Throughout the paid, 12-month program, participants:
- Build skills like leadership, advocacy, and professional development;
- Collaborate with executive staff, agencies, and peer leaders;
- Gain real-world job experience and skills;
- Get paid $15 per hour for up to 10 hours per week.
If you have questions about the YALC or working with TNOYS, please email youthengagement@tnoys.org.
Get to Know the YALC
The young leaders in the 2023- 2024 YALC cohort use their many talents, skills, and lived experiences to inform our work. Learn about the YALC cohort here.
Youth Voices in Action
Click below to check out some of the storytelling projects that YALC members have been a part of:
