Youth. Funding Youth.

Youth Advisory Council

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) – a partnership between the Community Health Commission of Missouri (CHCM) and the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund (CSF) – is a youth-led grantmaking council launching in early 2026. CSF invests in local nonprofits and governmental entities to provide mental and behavioral health services for kids and families in St. Louis County. Building on this commitment, the YAC will elevate youth voices in shaping grantmaking priorities and investments.

Through this inaugural program, St. Louis County youth aged 14-19 years-old will learn about the grantmaking process, make funding recommendations, and engage in decision-making activities to build leadership skills. The YAC will focus on three components: grantmaking, advocacy and promotion, and assessment of youth needs.

Ways to get involved

We are accepting applications for both Youth Participants and Education Champions from partnering school districts.

Youth Advisory Council

YAC members will:

  • Participate in frequent meetings, up to twice per month, which include trainings and facilitated discussions
  • Develop a youth-led grantmaking process focused on mental and behavioral health
  • Strengthen relationships with peers from across the St. Louis County region
  • Engage in decision making activities to build leadership skills
  • Activate their advocacy potential by identifying and assessing youth needs and creating pathways to push change
Youth Advisory Council Application

Education Champions

Education Champions help bring the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) to life in their schools. They:

  • Serve as a member of the YAC Taskforce, helping to design and develop the YAC
  • Attend and participate in monthly planning meetings and YAC convenings
  • Recruit up to 5 students from your school/district to participate in the YAC
  • Accompany youth to experiential experiences along with CHCM staff and serve as a chaperone
  • Serve as a connector and communication lead for YAC members and their parents/guardians
  • Support youth in being successful in their YAC experience
  • Commit to supporting the YAC from November 15, 2025 through July 2027
Education Champion Application

Join the Youth Advisory Council

Freshmen, Sophomore, and Junior Students from Hancock, Hazelwood, Parkway, and University City schools are encouraged to apply!

To apply, complete the short application survey linked below. You’ll answer a few questions to help us learn more about you and submit a brief video response.

Application preview:

  • Why are you interested in joining the Youth Advisory Council?
  • What do you hope to learn by joining?
  • Are you involved in any programs or activities? If so, which ones?
  • What do you love about your community?
  • What’s something you wish you could change?
  • Short-Response prompt:

Imagine you just received $50,000 to support youth mental health in your community. What would your bold idea be?

Click the link below to access the full application and share your story.

Apply to be a part of the Youth Advisory Council

Become an Education Champion

Educators, counselors, and school staff from Hancock, Hazelwood, Parkway, and University City School Districts are invited to apply to serve as an Education Champion for the Youth Advisory Council.

To apply, complete the brief application linked below. You’ll answer a few questions about your identity and role as a district educator or staff member. We look forward to your interest and involvement in the work.

 

Apply to be an Education Champion

Apply Today!

Please use the link below to access the YAC and Education Champion applications.

Apply to be a part of the Youth Advisory CouncilApply to be an Education Champion

Have questions about the Youth Advisory Council?

Reach out to our team today.

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