Who We Are

Eleven members of the YOAB Board posing for a group picture

We are 16 high school students appointed by the City Manager to serve one-year renewable terms. We live in the City of Boulder and represent many aspects of Boulder's youth community including diverse cultures and backgrounds. Our mission is to take action to ensure that youth voices are represented in city government’s decisions through the framework of UNICEF'S Child Friendly Cities Initiative.

Applications are open year round to current and rising high school students living in the City of Boulder (including most of Gunbarrel).

Regardless of previous leadership experience, members should be prepared to engage in meaningful discussion and action with city officials, community organizations, and fellow board members.

New members are invited to join based on the potential for positive contributions to the board’s work and capacity to represent the diversity of Boulder’s youth community.

What We Do

  • Represent and promote youth voices in Boulder to city officials
  • Work as leading ambassadors of UNICEF’s Child Friendly City Initiative (CFCI)
  • Increase safety and belonging
  • Work to reduce bullying in the City of Boulder
  • Give youth perspectives on city programs, planning, and decision making
  • Acknowledge outstanding youth volunteers in our community

2025-2026 Youth Opportunities Advisory Board Members

  • Ryler
  • Amelia
  • Rachel
  • Lucy
  • Kieran
  • Yandel
  • Payton
  • Lexi
  • Sasha
  • Madelyn

Apply for YOAB

Who can apply

The Youth Opportunities Program is accepting applications for the 2025-26 Youth Opportunities Advisory Board from youth that live and/or attend high school within the city of Boulder.

Youth that are interested in engaging with their peers and the community are encouraged to apply.

Apply

Please reach out to Youth Opportunities Program Manager, Mario Martinez-Varelas with questions at 720-498-2482 or MartinezVarelasM@bouldercolorado.gov.