Teens Invited to Join City of Victoria Mayor’s Youth Council

High school students with a passion for leadership, community involvement, and local government are encouraged to apply for the 2025–2026 Mayor’s Youth Council.

Now entering its fourth year, the Mayor’s Youth Council is a collaborative, student-led initiative launched by the City of Victoria in 2022. The program offers high school juniors and seniors an inside look at city government, while empowering them to organize service projects, explore civic issues, and develop leadership skills that carry into adulthood.

“Many past participants have expressed that this program weighed favorably on their college applications, so it is clear that civic awareness and involvement help to set our students up for success. I am excited for City staff to be able to meet and build relationships with some of the bright young people in our community," said Mayor Duane Crocker.

Throughout the school year, members will attend biweekly meetings, tour city departments, and connect with leaders across various sectors of local government. Past council members have toured construction sites, visited fire stations, and even suited up in firefighting gear to better understand how the city operates behind the scenes.

Applications Open for 2025–2026 Mayor’s Youth Council

“This is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn firsthand about the local governance that affects their daily lives,” said Crocker.

The council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m. Students must reside in Victoria County and be entering their junior or senior year of high school, including homeschooled students. New applicants are required to submit a signed letter of recommendation.

Applications are open now through August 31.

Interested students can apply online at www.victoriatx.gov/youthcouncil.

For more information, contact Special Projects Manager Keisha Smith at 361-485-3030 or ksmith@victoriatx.gov.