Valparaiso Invites Applications for Mayor’s Youth Council

The City of Valparaiso is inviting youth to apply to join the annual Mayor’s Youth Council, designed to encourage youth to interact with City government, build leadership skills and enhance civic engagement. The Council will include 20-24 members for the 2026-27 school year and students entering their junior year in Fall, 2026 are encouraged to apply by May 29, 2026. 

“We are gratified to continue the success of the Youth Council, sharing how city government works. We introduce the many areas of service within city government and perhaps spark some aspirations in the process,” said Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas. “We hope to engage our future leaders and also learn from their perspective.” 

Mayor Costas will host an information session for interested students on Thursday, April 30 at 2:45 pm at the VHS Media Center. 

The Mayor’s Youth Council provides youth with an opportunity to network and build relationships with mentors, enhance skills and knowledge that could lead to serving their community and add to experience that could be used for job or education applications. Since 2021, more than 100 students have served on the Mayor’s Youth Council. The council meets monthly, gathers for a daylong retreat in August and meets for volunteer opportunities throughout the year. 

For more information and an application packet, visit tinyurl.com/MayorYouthCouncil or contact Community Engagement Director Maggie Clifton at MClifton@valpo.us or (219) 462-1161.