City of Lacey Invites Local High School Students to Be an Exciting Part of Local Government by Serving on 2025-2026 Lacey Youth Council

The Lacey Youth Council (LYC) invites local high school students to apply for the 2025-2026 term, with applications closing on June 30, 2025. The council offers a platform for students to observe local government operations and contribute to community discussions while earning community service hours or stipends. Current members, including deputy mayor Sophia Allard, emphasize the valuable learning experiences and friendships that develop through council participation. Established in 2019, the LYC serves as an advisory body to the Lacey City Council and consists of up to 15 members from various educational backgrounds. Meetings occur twice monthly, where students engage with city projects and report updates to the City Council.

Participants can earn over 30 hours of community service or $50 per meeting, potentially totaling $500 per term. The program also enhances skills such as public speaking and collaboration, which are beneficial for students' future careers. The LYC's collaborative sessions with the Olympia Youth Council further enrich the experience by connecting students across different schools.