NOTE: Applications do not open until Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Read the following instructions carefully! There are three parts to the application. See below for more information on how to complete each one.

Applications are due Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific time. Only complete and on-time applications will be considered.

Part 1: Complete the online application form.

Click here to access the PAYA Youth Council application form. The application asks you to share some information about your background and why you’d like to participate.

You'll need to create an account in order to view and fill out the application on our portal. A guide for using the application portal is available at this link.

Part 2: Ask for a recommendation.

PAYA asks applicants to submit at least one, and no more than two, recommendations from someone who knows you well. At least one of your recommendations must be from an adult connected to your apprenticeship program. Below is a list of who qualifies as an apprenticeship-connected recommender:

Your supervisor, manager, or mentor from your apprenticeship employer
A guidance counselor, teacher, professor, or other school or college staff member with knowledge of your participation in the youth apprenticeship program
A staff member from a non-profit partner involved in your youth apprenticeship program

Your recommender(s) cannot be a family member(s).

You are responsible for sharing the link to the recommendation form with your recommender(s) and making sure they submit it on time. PAYA will not send reminders or reach out to your recommender(s).

Recommendations are due at the same time as applications: Thursday, April 23 at 11:59 pm Pacific time.

Part 3: Ask your parent or guardian to submit a permission form.

Please note: If you’re already 18+ or will turn 18 before June 1, 2026, you do not need to complete this step.

Your parent/guardian must give permission for you to participate in the PAYA Youth Council if you are under 18. Permission forms are due at the same time as applications: Thursday, April 23 at 11:59 pm Pacific time.

You are responsible for sharing the permission form with your parent/guardian and making sure they submit it on time.

Deadline: Thursday, April 23 @ 11:59 pm PT

Please complete the three elements above by Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 11:59 pm Pacific time. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.

FAQs

How can I find more information about the PAYA Youth Council?

Please visit the Applicant Information page and sign up to attend our information session on March 25 at 7:30 pm ET where PAYA staff and a current Council member will be answering applicant questions.

What should I do if I need an accommodation?

If you, your recommenders, or your parent/guardian require any accommodations to complete your application (for example, translation services or large format materials), please contact us at downs@newamerica.org.

How will I know if I’m selected?

PAYA will convene a selection committee of national experts, youth apprenticeship program staff, and current and former youth apprentices to review all on-time, complete applications. We expect to notify applicants of our decisions by the end of May 2026.

What should I do if I have a question?

Please contact Lancy Downs via email (downs@newamerica.org) and sign up to attend our information session on March 25 at 7:30 pm ET where PAYA staff and a current Council member will be answering applicant questions.

How to Apply to the PAYA Youth Council