The Youth Forum Council (YFC) brings together high school students from across Northeast Ohio to plan youth-centered conversations and public events at The City Club of Cleveland.
Each year, the Youth Forum Council brings together high school students from across Northeast Ohio to plan and lead free, youth-centered civic conversations. Students collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, engage with local leaders, and explore real-world issues that impact their communities.
Through this experience, they develop leadership skills, deepen their understanding of free speech, and discover ways to take action in public life.
Applications for the 2025–2026 school year are now open. Students may apply to serve as either a:
General Member
Ambassador
More information about each role will be shared after your application is submitted.
To ensure a range of voices, no more than 7 students per school may serve on the council at a time.
đź“ť Click here to apply for the 2025–2026 Youth Forum Council
Interviews are held on the third Wednesday of every month via Zoom at 7:00 PM. A link will be sent 72 hours in advance.
General Meetings for the 2025–2026 school year are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM, unless otherwise noted:
August – Fall Kickoff (In Person)
September 10 – NOW VIRTUAL!!(check your emails for the zoom link)
October 8 – In Person
November 12 – Virtual
December 11 – Mid-Year Reflections (Virtual)
Please check your email regularly for updates from the Youth Forum Council leadership team and your advisor, including meeting reminders, volunteer opportunities, and special City Club student engagement events. You’ll also find important documents and resources in the Youth Forum Council Google Drive folder - keep it bookmarked!
Questions? Contact Ariana Smith, YFC Advisor, at arianasmith@cityclub.org.
“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
Want to learn more? Check out more from the Youth Forum Council.
student written blogs     twitter     facebook     instagramÂ
Your support strengthens democracy.
A donation to our annual fund supports our work to bring the community together to uplift civil, civic dialogue throughout the year ahead.
Upcoming forums
We create conversations of consequence to help democracy thrive. Here's who is speaking next at the City Club. Be challenged. Learn something new. Join us.
Student engagement
Since its creation 30 years ago, over 30,000 students have participated at the City Club. Discover the different ways that students can get involved, here.
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