What is the Youth Commission responsible for?

• To act in an advisory capacity to the City of Santa Clara City Council on matters pertaining to the youth and teen population, especially as related to municipal programs and projects of the City.
• Foster increased involvement in the affairs of municipal government
• Study problems and hold forums on issues, activities and concerns of Santa Clara youth.
• Recommend the implementation of community programs, which the Youth Commission deems desirable.
• Review municipal matters referred to the Youth Commission by the City Council, or by other City of Santa Clara Commissions, and make recommendations on such matters
  Perform other related functions assigned to them by the City Council.

What are some of the Youth Commission's accomplishments?

• Successfully recommended the development of a Skate Park in Santa Clara, which opened in 1999.
• Successfully recommended the development of a high school Teen Center, which opened in 2003.
• Offered a community service scholarship to high school juniors and graduating seniors.
• Hosted Run Santa Clara: 5K to encourage family to enjoy green space and instill healthy habits. 
• Co-hosted the Inclusive Makerspace STEM event for youth with special needs.
• Hosted the Sustainable Tech for Environmental Minds virtual conference to highlight professional and student efforts positively impacting current and future environmental issues.
• Arrange recreation activities such as special events for teens.
• Volunteer at a variety of City-wide sponsored events.

How long can I serve as a Youth Commissioner?

The Youth Commission shall consist of up to fifteen members, each serving a one-year term. The maximum term of service is six calendar years.

When and where are Youth Commission meetings?

The Youth Commission generally meets on the second Tuesday of each month, September through May, at the Santa Clara Youth & Teen Center, located at 2446 Cabrillo Avenue in Santa Clara. The meetings take place from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

What are the requirements to be a Youth Commissioner?

• Applicants must be residents of the City of Santa Clara
• Young people ages 12-19 years of age will be sought for membership
• Members of the Youth Commission shall not hold any paid office or employment in the City of Santa Clara government.

What is the application process?

• Applications for the 2025-26 term will be available February 3, 2025. 
• Submit a one-page resume highlighting education, work and volunteer experience (if applicable), and extracurricular activities.
• Submit one, signed letter of recommendation from a teacher, advisor, counselor, or coach (or similar).
  • This may be included in your packet, or the letter writer may send directly to the address/email listed on the application.
• Deadline to submit your application is March 3, 2025.
• Due to the number of applicants received, only a limited number of applicants will be chosen for an interview.
  • Applicants will be notified of their status approximately one week after the deadline date.
• Selected applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview to be held on March 15, 2025.
  • Interviews will be conducted in-person at the Santa Clara Youth & Teen Center located at 2446 Cabrillo Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95051.
• A parent/applicant informational meeting will be held on February 26, 2025, at the Santa Clara Youth & Teen Center.

Application

The application deadline has passed. Please consider applying for the 2026/2027 term.

For questions contact Gayle Ichiho, Staff Liaison, at YouthCommission@SantaClaraCA.gov.

The Youth Commission may also be contacted by email at YouthCommission@SantaClaraCA.gov.