Interested in Joining?
Youth Commission
- Take the Spotlight: Present your bold ideas directly to the Mayor, City Council, and key committees—your voice can shape the future!
- Lead Game-Changing Events: Plan and host major city-wide youth events like the Youth Conference and Summit, making a real difference in your community.
- Be the Change-Maker: Take real civic action—attend meetings, collaborate with other youth leaders, and make your mark through hands-on involvement and special training sessions!
Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
- Be a Youth Advocate: Be a voice that influences the policies and programs affecting young people in your district!
- Earn Community Service Hours: Get community service hours for your time and contributions.
- Make a Difference: Promote events, support your district, and get hands-on experience in writing policy memos—a key step in launching your future career in civics or politics.
For those over 20, consider participating in the City of San José's Library and Education Commission.
About the Commission
The Youth Commission is the official advisory group to the Mayor and City Council, which empowers and encourages youth to be civically engaged through local and city-wide events and initiatives. Youth Commissioners develop policy recommendations concerning youth and support youth who serve their community through civic engagement and participation.
The Youth Commission promotes resources and opportunities available to youth and provides equitable access and support to marginalized youth communities. The Youth Commission establishing ordinance can be found in the Municipal Code 2.08.4800. Their role aligns with the San José Education Initiative City Council Policy 0-30. According to a recent memo, the Library Department is the City lead in establishing the framework and quality standards supporting the San José Education Initiative Policy, thus the oversight and management of the Youth Commission has been shifted to the Library Department from the Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department.
Commissioner Responsibilities
- Age Requirement: Commissioners must be between 14 and 20 years old to apply.
- Residency: Commissioners must reside in the City District they wish to represent (check your City District).
- Responsibilities and Conduct: Commissioners must adhere to core values, follow an honor code, and fulfill various responsibilities.
- Have your Voice Heard: Present recommendations to City Council and Neighborhood Services and Education Committee.
- Leadership Experience: Present an annual work plan to the Neighborhood Services and Education Committee.
- Attend Commission meetings: Commissioners cannot miss three consecutive regular meetings. Absence from three consecutive regular meetings equates to a resignation from the Commission. Attendance is tracked for all meetings.
- Be an Advocate for Youth: Hold forums in community to involve youth in decision-making processes.
- Create Epic Events: Help sponsor the annual San José Citywide Youth Conference.
- Learn About City Finances: Host annual youth advisory council summit for input on the City Budget.
- Take Your Learning Further: Commissioners may be required to spend additional hours attending trainings or ad hoc working meetings.
Meeting Agendas & Minutes
Attending Meetings
The Youth Commission meets the 4th Monday of the month beginning at 6:30 PM. The Youth Commission does not meet in the months of June and July. Meetings are predominantly held in Council Chambers, but always refer to the meeting agenda to confirm the meeting location.
San José Youth Commission Calendar
Youth Comission
Youth Herald: We Changed the Law!
Youth Herald: District 5 Councilmember Peter Ortiz Interview
Commission Membership & Roster
The Youth Commission has 11 members, including one member appointed by each City Council District and one citywide/at-large member appointed by the Mayor. Each Commissioner is appointed to a two-year term. There is a limit of two terms for a total of four years.
* Eligible for reappointment
Aanya Mishra
YouthCom1@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires: May 31, 2025 *
Represents: District 1
Neyha Pradeepkumar, Outreach
YouthCom2@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires: May 31, 2026
Represents: District 2
Edwin Sanchez
YouthCom3@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires: May 31, 2025 *
Represents: District 3
Genesis Arroyo
YouthCom4@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires: May 31, 2026 *
Represents: District 4
Andrew Lieu, Vice Chair
YouthCom5@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires: May 31, 2025
Represents: District 5
Amiya Bansal, Communications
YouthCom6@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires: May 31, 2026
Represents: District 6
Peter Vu
YouthCom7@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires: May 31, 2025 *
Represents: District 7
Aldojoell Gonzalez-Muñiz
YouthCom8@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires: May 31, 2026
Represents: District 8
Agam Singh
YouthCom9@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires: May 31, 2025
Represents: District 9
Nolan Mascarenhas, Chair
YouthCom10@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires: May 31, 2026
Represents: District 10
Marian Kucharewski
YouthComCW@sanjoseca.gov
Term Expires: May 31, 2026 *
Represents: Citywide
