Youth Empowerment Commission
The California Youth Empowerment Act (AB-46) was established to address the growing need to engage youth directly with policymakers. This act creates the California Youth Empowerment Commission, consisting of 13 voting commissioners aged 14 to 25, appointed by the Governor and other state officials.
Purpose
The main purpose of the commission is to provide meaningful opportunities for civic engagement to improve the quality of life for California’s youth and especially disadvantaged youth whose voices often go unheard. The commission will:
- Advise the Legislature, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Governor on legislative and fiscal issues affecting youth,
- Draft and approve resolutions and model legislation,
- Conduct public hearings with community and youth organizations to identify pressing issues and debate priorities.
Key Issues Addressed
The commission will focus on various issues, including:
- Education and Career Preparation
- Mental and Physical Health
- Homelessness and Housing
- Juvenile Justice and Foster Care
- Climate Crisis and Civic Engagement
Upcoming Meetings & Events
April 25, 2025
Youth Empowerment Commission Meet and Greet
Stanford Sierra Youth & Families
8912 Volunteer Ln
Sacramento, CA
5:30 p.m.
“The Youth Empowerment Commission has an unprecedented opportunity to uplift the voice of California’s disadvantaged youth by providing policy, legislative, and fiscal recommendations that are reflective of voices that have historically been excluded from the process of creating equitable solutions for young Californians.”
News & Announcements
California Youth Empowerment Commission to Hold Second Meeting in San Diego
The California Youth Empowerment Commission (YEC) will hold its second meeting Saturday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the City Heights Center, at 4305 University Avenue in San Diego.
Read moreCalifornia’s Youth Empowerment Commission Launches to Tackle Key Issues Facing Young People Across the State
The newly formed Youth Empowerment Commission held its inaugural meeting in Oakland yesterday evening, marking the official launch of a bold initiative to engage youth in the development of policy and legislative solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing young people in California today, including homelessness, education, and mental health.
Read more
Governor’s Office
Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement
Empowering, engaging and informing all Californians to tackle the state’s most pressing challenges.