Skip sidebar navigation

Youth Advisory Council

About the YAC

The mission of YAC is to educate and serve the Gresham community through meaningful activities, educating our peers, appreciating diversity, and developing supportive partnerships between our schools and community.

Apply online

  • Membership Requirements
  • YAC Goals
  • YAC Duties
  • Why Join YAC?
Membership Requirements

Students interested in joining YAC need to submit an application to the YAC advisor when the application process opens up. 15-20 high school students from the school districts of Gresham-Barlow, Reynolds and Centennial are selected to serve on the committee each school year. Recruitment for new members occurs from February-May each year (applications are accepted year-round).

  • Applications are reviewed based on each candidate's goals as a YAC member and their pursuit of serving the Gresham Community.
  • After applications are reviewed, interviews may be held to complete member selection.  
YAC Goals

Youth Advisory Council members work to bridge and create an overall understanding between local youth and City of Gresham government by;

  • Finding creative and effective ways to educate our public concerning issues affecting Gresham’s youth
  • Empowering our YAC and Gresham youth to learn and perhaps pursue an internship or career with local government
  • Providing a voice to elected officials and city decision makers regarding public issues, projects, and proposals that have an impact on youth 
YAC Duties
  • Attend regular meetings once a month
  • Attend key City and community events representing YAC
  • Participate in service projects in the community
Why Join YAC?
  • Represent your school and peers.
  • Learn about local government.
  • Get exclusive opportunities to attend City events.
  • Participate in planning or volunteering at community events.
  • Lead meaningful service projects that benefit the community.
  • Attend field experiences to government facilities, universities, and community organizations.
  • Receive a letter of recommendation and reference from staff advisor for jobs, college applications, and scholarships.

Meeting schedule

Meetings are held the first Thursday of the month from September to June, from 5-7:00 pm, in City Hall conference room 1A. 

Council personnel

  • Staff Liaison
  • Council Liaisons
  • Committee Roster
Staff Liaison

Teo Ramirez
971-533-6602
Teo.Ramirez@GreshamOregon.gov

Council Liaisons
Committee Roster

Current committee roster

Select the Member Roster tab to view the current committee roster.

1 of 11
  • Talking with Congresswoman Maxine Dexter at 2025 State of the City.

  • 2025 Report to Council about attending the National League of Cities Conference.

  • 2025 Lilac Run

  • 2019 Neighbors Helping Neighbors Project

  • 2024 Oregon Youth Summit

  • 2025 State of the City

  • 2024 YAC meeting

  • 2024 Safe Trick-or-Treat event

  • 2024 Spirit of Christmas event

  • 2025 State of the City

  • Local Gresham youth gather to create a mural in Rockwood to honor hate crime victim, Larnell Bruce.