Last Wednesday, MassArt played host to a monumental gathering as Mayor Michelle Wu, together with the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement, marked 30 years of the Boston Mayor's Youth Council (MYC), a program shaping young civic leaders since 1995. Reflecting on the Council's storied past, the event not only celebrated three decades of youth-driven change but also served as the current cohort's end-of-year festivities, as reported by City of Boston.
The Mayor's Youth Council has been a significant presence in local governance, with nearly a thousand high school students having participated across the years. These young individuals have tackled issues vital to Boston’s youth, organized town halls, engaged in public service projects, and, launched awareness campaigns. "For the past 30 years, the City of Boston has been able to directly collaborate with our young community leaders through the Mayor’s Youth Council, giving members a platform to create the change they want to see," Mayor Wu shared to City of Boston, emphasizing the initiative’s role in fostering generations of changemakers within the city.
Miracle Ebbi, a current Youth Councilor, recounted the excitement of planning the 30-year milestone, "I loved the planning process for the MYC 30th,” Ebbi told City of Boston. “It was fun to find the right venue. I was excited to meet a lot of MYC alumni at the 30th event and to join the alumni community myself.” Another Youth Councilor, Jolie Nguyen added, "On the planning committee, we spent a lot of time finding alumni and building our network. It was so interesting to learn about the history of MYC in the last 30 years."
The MYC's most recent initiatives feature expansive work, including peer-led focus groups and creating vertical gardens around the city to grow fresh produce. Furthermore, their “Safe Steps Committee” teamed up with city officials to enhance pedestrian safety by advocating for new crosswalks. "The Mayor’s Youth Council has been a launchpad for so many of Boston’s brightest young minds," Council President Ruthzee Louijeune proclaimed, also speaking of her sister's transformative experience on the Council, according to City of Boston. Pedro Cruz, the Executive Director of OYEA, celebrated the Council's three decades of commitment to elevating youth voices in dialogues that shape policies and strengthen communities.
As University fairs tout the accomplishments of their latest graduates, the City of Boston issues a call for its next assembly of spirited leaders. Rising high school students in grades 9 through 12 are invited to apply for the 2025-26 Mayor’s Youth Council by July 18. Those interested in joining a legacy of leadership and community engagement can find application details on the MYC website, where the future's civic architects are currently being sought.
