Applications to be a part of the 2024-2025 Youth Forum Council are open! Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The program is limited to 35 students and accepts a limited number of applicants. Students in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District are strongly encouraged to apply.

Click here to apply to be part of the 2024-2025 YFC today!

References, submit your reference form here.

The City Club of Cleveland’s Youth Forum Council (YFC) is a group of high school students from across the Greater Cleveland area. Every year, the Youth Forum Council plans and facilitates six cost-free forums for High Schools throughout Northeast Ohio. Through this process, students work with other teens from diverse geographical, religious, racial, and cultural backgrounds, forge relationships with local leaders and professionals, and educate fellow classmates and youth on a variety of topics.

The YFC provides an opportunity for high school students to examine the value and impediments of free speech; discuss and learn about national and international issues of critical importance; and be challenged to discover ways in which they can actively participate in public life.

As a result of this unique experience, council members are exposed to differing viewpoints while having the opportunity to share their ideas in a public space.

We want to hear from you!

Have you attended a City Club Youth Forum and want to provide feedback? Click here.

Save these Youth Forum dates for the 2023-2024 school year!

“Serving on the YFC helped me gain speaking skills I did not have as a freshman and introduced me to people – professors, local and state politicians, activists – I never would have met otherwise. It taught me to be a leader and gave me the courage to use my voice – and amplify others’ voices – in a meaningful way” - Justin, Hawken Upper School

“[participating in the] Youth Forum Council has helped me connect with other kids who share my love and passion for making an impact”-  Mollie, Gilmour Academy

Generous support for the City Club Youth Forum Council comes from

AT&T

The George W. Codrington Foundation

Nordson

with additional support from

Dorris C. Michalske Trust

Martha Holden Jennings Foundation

Want to learn more? Check out more from the Youth Forum Council.

student written blogs        twitter        facebook        instagram 

Zoe Ellenbogen leads a panel discussion at the Feb. 23, 2023 Youth Forum Choice Matters: What the Evolving Political Landscape Means for Gen Z.

From the Archives:

Youth Forum: Rethinking Education: The Impact of AI in Schools

Youth Forum: The Impact of Foster Care's Thousands of Ohio's Children

Youth Forum: The Future of the Workforce

Youth Forum: Disparities in Youth Mental Healthcare