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.

Council Launch

Youth and Education Champions work together for systems change.

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

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

The inaugural Council brings together high school students from University City School District, Parkway School District, and Jennings School District, creating a cross-district cohort of 14 young leaders who will help identify priority needs, inform funding decisions, and elevate perspectives grounded in lived experience. Over the course of a two-year term, Council members will engage in a structured, collaborative process to guide how is invested to support youth mental health across the county.

Students participating in the Council emphasized the importance of having a direct voice in decisions that impact their wellbeing and their peers.

“By joining the Youth Advisory Council, I hope to learn how to build a professional network, build self-confidence and a sense of empowerment through your contributions to community projects and initiatives.”

– Tori, University City School District

“The opportunity to participate in and with the Youth Advisory Council excites me. The ability to observe youth in an environment that promotes problem solving and improving mental health is an incontestable win for society. The ability to hear and listen to youth communicate their ideas, challenges and opinions are important to achieving solutions.”

– Dr. Marnice Anthony, AFJROTC Teacher, and the School District of University City Educator Champion

“When students are trusted to lead and make their own choices, they shine. They are eager to provide leadership, opinion, shared experience, and to demonstrate mutual cooperation and responsibility.”

– Cherie Magueja, Director of Social-Emotional Support Services and  Parkway Schools Educator Champion

“This initiative represents a significant step forward in youth‑centered leadership. By entrusting students with real decision‑making power over how funds are invested, we are ensuring our mental health strategies are guided by the insight and experience of young people themselves.”

– CSF Executive Director Emily Koenig

The Youth Advisory Council was co-designed by CSF and CHCM with input from district leaders, educators, and youth. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening youth leadership pathways, deepening collaboration across school communities, and ensuring that mental health investments are responsive to the needs young people identify.

Learn more

Use the link below to learn more about the Youth Advisory Council.

Learn more

Have questions about the Youth Advisory Council?

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