NOTE: Applications will open on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Are you...

A current or former youth apprentice?
Interested in making sure other young people can participate in apprenticeships?
Eager to grow your advocacy and leadership skills?

If so, consider applying to the PAYA Youth Council—a paid leadership development opportunity only for youth apprentices!

The Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA) Youth Council is a group of current and former youth apprentices who collaborate over a year-long term to develop youth-led projects that spread the word about the value of youth apprenticeship and improve it for other young people around the country.

In addition to designing and leading their own projects, Council members:

Build connections with other youth apprentices from around the country
Develop advocacy and leadership skills to build support for apprenticeship
Learn how to plan and lead monthly cohort meetings
Receive mentoring from a Youth Council alumnus
Occasionally participate in panels, interviews, focus groups, or other speaking opportunities on behalf of PAYA

The Council's work will culminate in a free trip to Washington, DC, for an in-person summit in June 2027. Council members receive a $1,650 stipend for their service.

Who can apply?

You are eligible to apply if you are…

At least 16 years old but not yet 24 as of June 1, 2026.
Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of a youth apprenticeship program in the PAYA Network. Click here for a list of PAYA Network members .
Able to travel to, attend, and actively participate in the in-person summit in Washington, DC, in June 2027. (PAYA will cover travel expenses for each participant and, for participants under 18 or in high school, for one adult chaperone.)
Able to attend and actively participate in at least 10 out of 12 virtual meetings, held once a month on weekday evenings via Zoom for two hours (generally 6-8 pm Eastern time). Meetings will run from June 2026 through July 2027.

What is PAYA looking for in an applicant?

No previous experience in advocacy or leadership is necessary to serve on the Council. We hope to recruit applicants who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives. While there’s no one model of an ideal applicant, successful Council members generally embody the following qualities:

Collaborative: Interested in and able to partner with peers and adult leaders to implement their projects and lead monthly Council meetings. Is a reliable teammate.
Enthusiastic: Excited to participate in a community of youth advocates and to grow their leadership and advocacy skills.
Curious: Eager to learn from their peers, ask questions, develop new knowledge and skills—even when it requires stepping out of their comfort zone.
Respectful: Able to conduct themselves professionally as an ambassador of their apprenticeship program, employer, and school. Fosters an inclusive and welcoming culture and treats fellow Council members with respect.
Committed: Has the time and energy to serve on the Council for the entire year of service. Able to attend monthly meetings, work on projects, perform other Council duties outside of monthly meetings, and communicate proactively.

2026–27 PAYA Youth Council

Applicant Information

Apply to the PAYA Youth Council—a paid leadership development opportunity only for youth apprentices!

In Their Own Words: Hear from PAYA Youth Council Members

Who can apply?

What is PAYA looking for in an applicant?

How do I apply?

Help—I have a question!