Mayor’s Youth Council Applications Open

Published on March 10, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026–2027 Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC). The opportunity is open to students who live in Sioux Falls and will be high school juniors or seniors during the 2026–2027 school year.

“We started the MYC in 2021 as a way to engage the youth more in the decisions we’re making at the local level,” Mayor Paul TenHaken said. “Each year, the program has grown and evolved, but the relationships we build with the students remain invaluable year after year. I’m grateful our city leadership team for MYC is committed to carrying this work forward across administrations, ensuring the next generation continues to gain meaningful, first-hand experiences with city government.”

“We have so much fun with the students during their time on the MYC,” said Lucy Steiger, supervising librarian for Siouxland Libraries. “We try to provide them with incredible, engaging opportunities to learn about local government while giving them a platform to use their voices. We encourage those interested in learning more about their community to apply for this opportunity. Selected students get unique, direct access to city leaders across departments to learn about various operations and further develop their leadership skills.”

Public, private, or home-educated students are eligible to apply. The goal of the MYC is to provide youth the opportunity to learn about city government and share input on important community issues. The MYC meets monthly during the school year in addition to other possible activities and volunteer events. Selected students will connect with the Sioux Falls mayor, other city leaders and city councilors throughout their time on the council. During the monthly meetings, they will take tours to gain insight into various city facilities, like the Sioux Falls Regional Landfill, Street Division, Parks and Recreation System and the Public Safety Campus.

“Taking part in the MYC has provided me further insight into how our city really operates,” said Naomi Jespersen, a senior at Lincoln High School and current MYC member. “From meeting directly with city and state leaders to sharing our perspective on issues that directly affect me and my peers, this experience has encouraged me to speak up more and play a role in shaping my community. The skills and information I’ve gained over the last school year will remain with me long after high school.”

While sitting on the MYC, students also have the opportunity to give back to the community through group volunteer efforts while also learning about local nonprofits. In recent years, the students have also taken a day-long trip to Pierre to experience the South Dakota State Legislature during legislative session as part of their time on the MYC.

Applications are due Saturday, April 4. The application process involves basic information about the applicant, several short answer questions and a letter of recommendation written by a teacher or school staff member. Students will be selected shortly after the application deadline. The first session of the 2026-2027 MYC will begin in September. Students are encouraged to visit siouxfalls.gov/myc to learn more and apply.