Apply to be a Youth Commissioner
The 2024 - 2025 Youth Commission Application is LIVE!
Learn More
If you are ever curious as to what the role of a Youth Commission could be like, please feel free to contact us at youthcom@sfgov.org.
You can learn more about our issue-based committees and campaigns as well, we have Civic Engagement and Education, Transformative Justice, and Housing, Recreation, and Transit.
Please see our website for more details and stay connected with our office via social media @SFYouthCom or email at youthcom@sfgov.org.
Application & Interview Process
The San Francisco Youth Commission is considered the top Youth Commission in the country. Because of this, we receive more than 70+ applications each year for a very small amount of open appointments. To increase our reach and as a courtesy to appointing officials, Youth Commissioners and staff conduct outreach to prospective applicants to the Youth Commission.
The Youth Commission office has a rigorous application process that consists of a written or video application with an optional letter of recommendation submission, and in-person/virtual interviews (pending COVID-19 shelter in place).
Letter of recommendation--a few paragraphs are sufficient--from someone not in your family. Any of the following may qualify: a teacher, counselor, probation officer, program manager, employer, church leader, mentor, coworker, and/or someone who can accurately speak to your skills and leadership experience. This is optional and letters should be submitted separately from this application. Those submitting a letter of recommendation can email the Youth Commission directly at; Youthcom@sfgov.org; PDF format only. Once submitted, the recommender will receive an email confirming that it has been received. Please make submissions by Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11:59 PM.
Due to the sheer number of youth who apply, the Youth Commission office will only recommend our top 2-3 applicants to the Mayor and Board of Supervisors offices. Their offices may wish to set up their interviews with our recommended applicants.
Application & Interview tips
Check out some application and interview tips we've compiled for you. Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.
To help youth applicants understand more about the Youth Commission and the application process, Youth Commission staff and commissioners will be hosting “Info Sessions” on:
● Thursday, April 11th, 7pm-8pm | via ZOOM RSVP @ https://tinyurl.com/YCApps24-25
● Wednesday, April 24th, 5:30pm-6:30pm | 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 278 RSVP @ http://tinyurl.com/YCopenhouse
Appointing Prerogative
Between 12 and 23 years old and a San Francisco resident Pursuant to Charter Sec. 4.123, “The [Youth] Commission shall consist of seventeen (17) voting members, each of whom shall be between the ages of 12 and 23 years at the time of appointment. Each member of the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor shall appoint one member to the Commission. The Mayor shall also appoint five (5) members from underrepresented communities to ensure that the Commission represents the diversity of the City.” Appointments to the Youth Commission are not subject to approval by the Rules Commission or the full Board of Supervisors. 1 The Charter provides the following description of the Youth Commission, which may be helpful to your offices in selecting an appointee: “The [Youth] Commission shall consist of individuals who have an understanding of the needs of young people in San Francisco, or experience with children and youth programs or youth organizations, or involvement with school or community activities. The members shall represent the diversity of ethnicity, race, gender, and sexual orientation of the people of the City and County, and shall be residents of the City and County.”
Returning Commissioners
Current commissioners must also reapply and can be reappointed to serve additional one-year terms. We know that Commissioners get the most out of their experience by being on the Commission for more than one year, as policy and legislative work takes time to see results, as does getting acclimated to a serious advising body. However, there is no guarantee the Youth Commission office will recommend a current commissioner for a consecutive term.
Timeline
If you have any questions about the application, need help filling it out, or are just curious about the status of your application, please contact us at youthcom@sfgov.org. While we try very hard to stay true to the deadlines listed below, the process sometimes takes longer than expected especially with the COVID-19 Shelter in Place. Please be patient and we will contact you as soon as possible!
1. Please submit your completed application to the Youth Commission by 11:59 p.m. on May 10, 2024.
2. Letter of Recommendation is due May 10, 2024.
3. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and followed up during the first week of June.
4. If you have been selected for an interview, you will be contacted at the beginning of June.
5. Applications will then be forwarded to the Office of the Mayor and the members of the Board of Supervisors for additional review by early July.
6. The Mayor and the Board Members may either choose to appoint an applicant to the Commission at this point OR to call applicants for further interviews.
7. If you have been selected as a Commissioner, you will be contacted by early August.
8. The Youth Commission Orientation Retreat is August 16 through 18. The retreat is mandatory.
9. Commissioners will be officially sworn into office by early September! The swear-in ceremony is mandatory.