The City of Valparaiso is inviting youth to apply to join the annual Mayor’s Youth Council, designed to encourage youth to interact with City government, build leadership skills and enhance civic engagement. The Council will include 18-22 members for the 2025-26 school year and students entering their junior year in Fall, 2025 are encouraged to apply by May 30, 2025.
“I am excited to continue the success of the Youth Council, sharing our mission and how city government works. We hope to engage our future leaders and also learn from their perspective," said Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas. “This is a nonpolitical, educational council. We introduce the many areas of service within city government and perhaps spark some aspirations in the process,” he said.
Mayor Costas will host an information session for interested students on Tuesday, April 22 at 2:45 p.m. at Valparaiso High School.
The Mayor’s Youth Council provides youth with an opportunity to network and build relationships with mentors, enhance skills and knowledge that could lead to serving their community and add to experience that could be used for job or education applications.
The new Mayor’s Youth Council will be sworn in by the Valparaiso City Council on Aug. 11, 2025. The Council will meet monthly on a Wednesday evening, gather for a daylong retreat in August and meet for volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
For more information and an application packet, visit tinyurl.com/MayorYouthCouncil or contact Community Engagement Director Maggie Clifton at MClifton@valpo.us or (219) 462-1161.