PAYA Youth Council Leadership Program

The PAYA Youth Council is a paid leadership development opportunity exclusively for youth apprentices. Members collaborate over a year‑long term to design youth‑led projects that expand access to apprenticeships and improve program quality nationwide. Council members:

• Build connections with other youth apprentices across the U.S.
• Develop advocacy and leadership skills
• Plan and lead monthly cohort meetings
• Receive mentoring from Youth Council alumni
• Participate in panels, interviews, and speaking opportunities
• Culminate their work at a summit in Washington, D.C. (June 2027)

Benefits

• $1,650 stipend for service
• Free travel to Washington, D.C. for the summit (plus chaperone support for under‑18 participants)
• Mentorship from alumni
• Leadership and advocacy training
• National visibility as apprenticeship ambassadors

• Must be 16–23 years old as of June 1, 2026
• Must be a current or former youth apprentice in the PAYA Network
• Must commit to monthly virtual meetings (10 of 12 required), 2 hours each (weekday evenings, June 2026–July 2027)
• Must attend the in‑person summit in Washington, D.C. (June 2027)
• Must complete a three‑part application process by April 23, 2026
• In high school
• In college or university
• Just graduated