Youth Advisory Committee

Overview

The Committee is tasked with providing input to the City Council and City Administration regarding programs, services, projects and issues. Topics addressed by past Youth Advisory Committees include:

  • Youth Activities & Youth Opinions
  • Drug abuse and underage drinking prevention
  • Environmental / Climate Awareness

The Youth Advisory Committee offers students the chance to:

  • Be decision-makers for youth issues, needs, and opportunities.
  • Build leadership skills.
  • Earn community service hours.
  • Learn about local government.
  • Learn about local philanthropy.
  • Give back to the community.

Members

The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) consists of over 30 high school and middle school youth representatives.

Regular Meetings

  • 6:00 p.m. (in person)
  • 1st or 3rd Monday in September through June
    (Special Meetings called as needed in July and August)
  • Portage City Hall
    7900 S. Westnedge Avenue
    Portage, MI 49002

Special Events

The Youth Advisory Committee is very active in the community and organizes several city-wide events.  The YAC also volunteers at the Portage Community Center and learns about the role of local government.

  • Green-A-Thon & Market Sneak Peek - Sunday, May 1, 2022 @ 11 am to 3 pm
    • FREE 
    • Portage City Hall Parking Lot & Front Lawn (7900 South Westnedge)
    • Partnering with Portage Farmers Market for a sneak peak before the season.
    • Refreshments available for purchase. 
    • Features music, free tree seedlings, activities, giveaways and representatives from local organizations and businesses related to environmental ideas for use at home or work.  
    • The YAC is hosting this event to raise awareness of environmental issues affecting the citizens of Portage and provide opportunities to become more climate-friendly.
    • Vendor Sign-up
  •  Public Safety Activity Night - Friday, August 5, 2022 @ 6 - 8:30 pm 
    • FREE
    • Ramona Park (8600 S. Sprinkle Road)
    • NEW format for 2022 - MORE displays!
    • Public Safety demonstrations and displays in the park - It’s like "Touch a Truck" but Public Safety style! 
    • K9 Unit, Mounted Police, SWAT, Firefighters & trucks, bike safety, Command Unit, boater safety and MORE!
    • Refreshments available for purchase. 
  • Snow Party - Saturday, February 5, 2022 @ 12 - 3 pm
    • FREE
    • Oakland Drive Park (7650 Oakland Dr.)
    • Bring-your-own cardboard sled competition, Snowman building contest, scavenger hunt
    • No Snow / No Problem - alternate activities planned

Youth in Government Participant Sign-Up

Please provide the requested information in our online form, to take part. A parent/guardian release form will be mailed to applicants and must be completed and returned prior to participation in the program. 

The primary appointment period is in the month of May. Applications are always welcome but will be held until the next available appointment period. Terms begin July 1.