Lake Oswego is looking for student leaders for the 2024-25 school year

Every year, student representatives from all over Lake Oswego help the city run smoothly by making their voices heard, lending a hand and providing invaluable youth perspectives on local issues.

The city of Lake Oswego is concurrently accepting applications for all of its youth committees and volunteer roles. These include the Youth Leadership Council, Youth Action Council, City Council advisory boards, Library teen advisory boards and junior camp counselors.

Applications and further details are available at lakeoswego.city/youth. Application deadlines vary depending on the committee.

While the names of the different roles seem similar, each provides a unique opportunity for Lake Oswego students to learn and become involved.

“Youth Action Council works directly with Parks & Recreation to plan, promote and implement programs within the community. Students are passionate about creating events for the Lake Oswego community. Youth Leadership Council focuses more on understanding government operations, facilitating advocacy, and providing a youth voice to City Council,” said Jamie Inglis, community events & Luscher programming supervisor for parks and recreation, in an email.

Youth Action Council applications are due Monday, May 6.

“Youth Leadership Council provides students with a holistic understanding of government at all levels with an emphasis on local government. Students have the opportunity to meet with City staff, including department and project directors, the Mayor, and City Councilors to understand how responsibilities are divided and work is guided,” Inglis wrote.

Last year, the Youth Leadership Council advocated for a statewide ban for flavored tobacco products by co-signing a letter with the City Council and the Lake Oswego School Board. Applications for YLC are due Friday, May 31.

The City Council advisory board positions allow students to share their perspectives on the library board, parks, recreation and natural resources board, diversity, equity and inclusion board, transportation board and sustainability board.

The youth representatives on each advisory board contribute to the goal-setting and recommendations made to City Council. Applications for advisory board representatives are due Friday, May 10.

Junior camp counselors volunteer with Parks and Recreation during the summer to assist with a wide range of summer learning and camps for kids ages 3-12. Applications are due Monday, May 13.

Library teen advisory board volunteers help plan the slate of youth library events during the school year and earn community service hours. Applications are open year-round.