Unique Opportunity for Teens to be Involved in the Louisiana Government

The Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) is now accepting applications for membership from high school students who have an interest in representing the voices of other young people around the state. LYAC is a yearly-appointed body composed entirely of students that addresses issues affecting the youth of Louisiana.

LYAC's purpose is to facilitate the communication between youth and the legislature and to give students a unique opportunity to be involved in the workings of state government. The council studies and addresses issues of importance to young people, including education, community service, employment, strategies to increase youth participation in government, safe environments for youth, substance abuse, underage drinking, and youth health and physical fitness, as well as other issues.

Members of the council are selected from a wide pool of applicants from around the state who display a strong interest in civic involvement. The twenty-one member body includes two student members selected from each of the congressional districts and at-large members. Applicants must be between the age of fourteen and nineteen and enrolled in a public or private high school, a home school, or participating in a GED skills program during the 2013-2014 school year.

The deadline for applications is March 15, 2013. Applicants may apply online or complete the PDF application and mail it to the address listed on the application. Both applications may be accessed at civiced.louisiana.gov. The 2013-2014 Legislative Youth Advisory Council will begin its work in June at the State Capitol. For additional information regarding the Council's activities, call 225.342.6145.