The Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council (MYLC) advises Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and city government on issues that impact youth and helps shape strategies to improve their communities. The MYLC is intentionally diverse, representing different backgrounds, schools, and perspectives.
This partnership between the City of Indianapolis, Marion County Commission on Youth, and Leadership Indianapolis empowers youth voices by providing input and perspectives to the Indianapolis mayor and city leadership, training young people to become civically engaged and fostering a lifelong sense of civic responsibility.
Applications for the 2026/27 Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council will open no later than August 1, 2026. Please complete an interest form below if you would like to be notified when applications are open!
Are you interested in being a part of the MYLC for the 2026/27 school year?
MYLC might be for you if…
- You are a leader in thought and service.
- You are interested in policy, government, and civic engagement.
- You want to share your voice with decision makers in our city.
- You want to develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and leadership.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must reside in Marion County.
- Must be a junior during the 2026-2027 school year.
- Must commit to attending monthly Saturday sessions and other important events throughout the year – from September 2026 through December 2027.
Benefits of being a member of the MYLC:
- Gain real-world leadership experience and professional networking opportunities.
- Build workplace, communication, and civic engagement skills.
- Directly impact city decision-making by advising the mayor and his team on issues affecting youth in our city.
- Be part of a youth-led movement for positive change in Indianapolis.
Program Overview | September 2026 - December 2027
MCCOY and the Mayor’s Office are making some exciting changes for the 2026 – 2027 MYLC. If you are selected to join the MYLC you will serve 18 months – from your junior year through the fall of your senior year. You will have the opportunity over those 18 months to build a network, learn critical skills in communication, leadership and civic engagement, and work directly with the mayor and his team to affect positive change for youth in our city.
MYLC is focused on amplifying youth voice through engagement with our city’s government leaders. Monthly meetings included sessions with city leaders, elected officials, and community advocates. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and his team will work directly with our MYLC members to understand how city policies and issue affect our youth. Members will attend City County Council meetings, Committee meetings and hearings, as well as with leaders from organizations across the city.
The MYLC meets monthly from September 2026 to December 2027 of their Senior year. Not only will you have the opportunity to engage with the city’s leaders on issues facing youth, you will also build a network and community of peers who share your interest and passion for change.
What MYLC Members Do
What MYLC Members Do
- Engage in policy discussions on issues impacting Indianapolis youth aligned with the city’s priorities
- Meet with city leaders, business professionals, and community organizations
- Participate in civic engagement initiatives across the city
- Gain exposure to how government, business, and nonprofit sectors operate and intersect
- Build leadership, communication, and advocacy skills through hands-on experiences
MYLC Impact & Success
- Since its founding in 2016, MYLC has engaged more than 160 young leaders from across Indianapolis
- Alumni pursue higher education and take on leadership roles across the humanities and sciences
- Members contribute meaningful hours of community service annually
- The council regularly convenes with city officials, business leaders, and nonprofit partners to inform youth-centered policy discussions
- Participants consistently report growth in leadership, advocacy, and public speaking skills
- Frequently described by members as “life-changing” and “an incredible opportunity to make a real difference”
Program Structure
- 20 members selected annually through a competitive application process
- Open to students entering their junior year in high school
- Monthly meetings complemented by civic events and community engagement experiences
MYLC Partners
The MYLC is coordinated and led by MCCOY (Marion County Commission on Youth) in close collaboration and partnership with the Mayor’s Office for the City of Indianapolis.
Generous support for the council is provided by the Lilly Endowment and the City of Indianapolis.