Youth Leadership Council

The Hillsborough County Youth Leadership Council (HCYLC) provides Hillsborough County high school students grades 9-12 an opportunity to participate in civic, leadership, and community service programs to help develop leadership ability and instill a commitment of community service and life-long civic responsibility.

Deadline for 2024 - 2025 completed application: September 1, 2025

Eligibility

Current students in grades 9-12 attending any Hillsborough County High School

Benefits

Learn through the core programs:

• Open forums with County Commissioners - learn key objectives of the Hillsborough County Commission
• Leadership 101 - learn skills for college and career success such as public speaking, resume writing, business etiquette, and interview skills
• Community service - as a group, members will select volunteer opportunities within the community

Get the opportunity to:

• Serve as ambassadors at various functions
• Attend local and state meetings
• Represent the organization at local, state, and national conferences

Applicant requirements

• Have the desire to learn how County government works
• Commit to one year of service on the Hillsborough County Youth Leadership Council
• Have a strong desire to make Hillsborough County a better place for all residents
• Want to serve as an advocate for peers in the community by voicing their ideas and concerns

References

• You must submit two references
• Download the reference form
• Community leaders, advisors, school faculty or principals, organization leaders, coaches or club sponsors are acceptable references
• You can't use relatives for references
• Recommendation letters are acceptable in lieu of reference form

Advisory board

• You will act in an advisory capacity to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners
• You will research and discuss youth issues with County Commissioners in an open forum
• The Council will act as an advocacy body for county high school students by highlighting their concerns and promoting action items to effect change

How to apply

1. Fill out the application
   • Submit it online
   • Download, print, and complete a paper application (form is not fillable - will need to fill out by hand)
   • Pick one up in the guidance office at participating schools
2. Have your parent or guardian sign the application
3. Submit two references, which can include:
   • Community leaders
   • Advisors
   • School faculty or principals
   • Organization leaders
   • Coaches or club sponsors
   • No relatives

4. If sending in downloaded /paper applications and references use the following information:
   Scanning and emailing to Christopher Hayes
   OR
   Mailing to:
   HCYLC Application
   Attn: Christopher Hayes
   15510 Hooting Owls Place
   Tampa, FL 33624

What's next

• An appointed advisory committee of students and adults will:
  • Review the applications
  • Conduct interviews
  • Make recommendations for acceptance into the program

Resources

• Reference form
• Paper application

Get help

Department: Parks & Recreation
Email: hayesch@hcfl.gov
Phone: (813) 480-9416