We encourage Colorado teens to apply for these opportunities.

Youth positions created by COYAC proposals

Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE)

Environmental Justice Advisory Board

Colorado Department of Education (CDE)

Youth Involvement Education Standards Review

  • Pursuant to SB23-008 Youth Involvement Education Standards Review (inspired by a 2021-22 COYAC recommendation), CDE has a nomination and application process for youth advisors to the standards revision and review process. To learn more about the process and timeline, visit the CAS Review and Revision website. Questions?
  • Through June 30, 2026: The Colorado Department of Education is currently accepting nominations for Youth Advisors to support the 2027–2028 Colorado Academic Standards revision process. Student applicants must be aged 14–19 and nominated by a school or district staff member. The 2027–28 review cycle includes dance, drama/theatre arts, music, social studies, and visual arts. Two students are expected to be selected—one representing urban communities and one representing rural communities. Youth advisors serve as members of the State Board of Education’s standards revision committees and have an important role in elevating student voice during the review process. For more information about the role of youth advisor and access to the application, please visit the Standards Youth Advisor webpage. Questions can be directed to the Colorado Department of Education’s Office of Standards and Instructional Support at costandardsrevision@cde.state.co.us.

Secondary School Student Substance Use Committee

  • HB23-1009 (inspired by a 2021-22 COYAC recommendation) created the Secondary School Substance Use Committee to develop a practice or identify/modify existing practices, for secondary schools to implement to identify students’ substance use, offer intervention, and refer students to substance use treatment resources. The Commissioner of Education appoints members of the committee. Questions? Contact Amara Hobbs, Legislative Liaison, Colorado Department of Education, at hobbs_a@cde.state.co.us.

Disproportionate Discipline Task Force (created with

  • SB23-029 (inspired by a 2021-22 COYAC recommendation) created the Disproportionate Discipline Task Force to study and make recommendations regarding school district discipline policies and practices, state and local discipline reporting requirements, and local engagement. The Commissioner of Education appoints members of the task force. For more information, including meeting dates, minutes, etc., visit the School Climate, Behavior, and Discipline Initiatives webpage. Questions? Contact Amara Hobbs, Legislative Liaison, Colorado Department of Education, at hobbs_a@cde.state.co.us.