South San Francisco, CA August 29, 2018 Press Release
Youth Advisory Council pilot program currently accepting applications
Seeking to bring forth and engage the youth of South San Francisco, Mayor Pro Tempore Karyl Matsumoto, along with the help of two summer youth interns, are kicking off a pilot program for youth called the South San Francisco Youth Advisory Council. El Camino High School graduates Monique Ray and Maya Patel have been working alongside Matsumoto and are now searching for other qualified candidates.
“This is a great opportunity for not only our youth, but also for us as City leaders,” says Mayor Pro Tempore Karyl Matsumoto. “Engaging our youth helps get them involved in local government at an early age, but it also gives us a different perspective on decisions we are making as a City, as these youth are our future.”
“There is a certain spark to youth. Their energy, boldness, and sometimes even blind willingness to dive headfirst into fresh ideas, is exactly what can spearhead new opportunities, projects, and solutions,” says summer intern Monique Ray. “The City has recognized this generation’s potential and I am profoundly grateful to have been given this opportunity to serve my beloved hometown of South San Francisco.”
Both Ray and Patel have held numerous positions within their school and community, including the representing youth on a national level under the non-partisan Youth for National Change Leadership Board, various sport teams, Associated Student Body and Leadership, school service clubs, and the San Mateo County Youth Commission. Both hope to utilize their past experiences to bring together the rich diversity in South San Francisco’s youth and give the youth of our City a voice.
City staff, along with Ray and Patel, plan to incorporate a variety of community-serving projects under the South San Francisco Youth Advisory Council. The Youth Advisory Council will consist of youth who will address issues directly affecting the youth of South San Francisco. Together, with the City Council and City Staff, they will work to create solutions.
Terms are one-year in length and meetings occur once a month from September 2018 to June 2019. All youth, ages 14-21, living in South San Francisco are encouraged to apply at www.ssf.net/yac. Applications are due by September 7th, 2018.
The pilot program will help the City determine how interested youth are in getting involved in local government. Based on the success of the pilot program, the City Council will considering implementing a permanent Youth Advisory Council.