The Youth Council is comprised of teens ages 14-17. (photo courtesy of Metro)

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced the opening of the application period on Sept. 11 for the Metro Youth Council. Los Angeles County teens ages 14-17 are encouraged to apply by the Oct. 3 deadline to be considered for the 2024 Metro Youth Council.

The Metro Youth Council is comprised of young people from the communities throughout Los Angeles County that Metro serves. Each Youth Council member commits to a one-year term on the council, during which they will share their ideas and perspectives about Metro’s projects and initiatives and how to improve the transportation system. Since its launch in October 2021, Metro’s GoPass program has had more than 23 million student boardings.

“I’m amazed and inspired by the dedication and thoughtful feedback of the young people who are part of Metro’s Youth Council,” Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said. “They have their eyes on the future and are committed to helping us make transportation better now and in the years to come.”

Throughout their Youth Council membership, students obtain experience and training. Members also can become part of the Youth Council Cabinet, composed of the chair, vice chair, secretary, communications officer and special event coordinator, which provides additional leadership opportunities.

Through the program, participants experience civic engagement, leadership development and networking opportunities. They also attend and participate in Metro events and activities and connect with their peers from across L.A. County. At the end of the Youth Council term, each member receives a certificate of participation and a stipend.

Each year, the council hosts a Youth Summit for peers who may be interested in joining and to discuss important topics affecting them. This year, the summit will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Union Station. The theme is Traveling Sustainably, and the council and guests will discuss how to explore L.A.’s best destinations while reducing their carbon footprint.

In its second year, the Metro Youth Council has shared with Metro the importance of learning how to use the system and how to connect with other transit agencies throughout the region. As part of the upcoming Youth Summit, the council and attendees will begin creating a digital Youth Destination Guide that includes places they like to visit and how to access them using transit. When complete, the guide will help other youth navigate the system and help Metro better service youth riders.

For information about the Youth Council, visit metro.net/youthcouncil.

photo courtesy of Metro

The Youth Council is comprised of teens ages 14-17.