Youth Advisory Council

Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) started California's 36th Congressional District's inaugural Youth Advisory Council (YAC) in early 2018. YAC students will meet with a diverse group of peers from their community to discuss issues of importance and recommend bills for the Congressman to cosponsor and propose. The YAC will work directly with staff in Rep. Lieu's office to collaborate on key issues for young people in California's 36th District. Students in 9th through 12th grade that live or attend school in the district are eligible to apply.

Rep. Lieu: "Our district is full of passionate young people who have already dedicated themselves to helping their community and advocating for a better future. Our Youth Advisory Council provides an excellent opportunity for students to talk about issues that matter to them with my Congressional office and find ways to channel their passion into action. I'm looking forward to another great year with our Youth Advisory Council and I encourage all interested students to apply!"

Applications for the 2026-2027 Youth Advisory Council are now open until Friday, June 26, 2026 at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. 

Confirm that you are a constituent and/or if your school is in the district by inputting your address here. Only submit an application if you are a constituent and/or if your school is in the district. 

Application Materials:

• High school transcript or middle school transcript (if incoming freshman)
• Two letters of recommendation (from non-family members)
• One-page essay explaining why you wish to be a member of the Council
• Resume
• Signed Consent Form
• Application Form

Please fill out the application form linked above to apply for the Youth Advisory Council. Please reach out to Aurelia Friedman at yac.lieu@mail.house.gov if you have any questions but all materials should be included in one submission to the form linked above.

FAQ:

• This will be a student-driven council.
• All applicants that submit complete applications will receive an interview that will be scheduled for 15 minutes in length. They will be asked three questions and they will have an opportunity to ask any questions they have for staff after those questions are asked. Please monitor your email for further instructions.
• Those who write your letters of recommendation should send their letters directly to you for you to submit on the application form.
• Freshmen in High School should submit 8th grade transcripts as well as a current progress report.
• Unofficial transcripts will be accepted since all application materials must be submitted together on the application form.
• There will be 8 scheduled meetings with staff per year. Meetings on listed dates will run from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM Pacific Time. Students will need to attend 6 of the 8 meetings to remain in good standing:
  • August 26, 2026
  • September 23, 2026
  • October 28, 2026
  • November 18, 2026
  • January 27, 2027
  • February 24, 2027
  • March 24, 2027
  • April 28. 2027
• Students will be appointed to a one-year term.
  • If eligible, students can serve on the council for a maximum of two years.

Questions:

Please contact Aurelia Friedman at yac.lieu@mail.house.gov or (323) 651-1040.