Southlake high school students have until Friday, Aug. 21, to apply for a spot on the city's reimagined Youth Action Commission, a program that puts teens inside City Hall departments and asks them to help solve real problems.
Applications for the 2026-2027 Southlake Youth Action Commission are open now, according to the city's official announcement. The program is open to students entering grades 9-12 who live in Southlake or attend Carroll ISD schools.
The city described SYAC as "newly reimagined" in its July 28 news flash, signaling changes from prior years. Selected applicants will be interviewed before final appointments are made.
What members do
SYAC meets monthly from October through May. Members work alongside city staff, participate in hands-on simulations including emergency response scenarios, explore how parks are planned and how city decisions get made, and volunteer at city events. Additional volunteer opportunities run throughout the year.
The commission has produced tangible policy work.
SYAC members developed the Southlake 2035 Youth Master Plan, which fed into the city's comprehensive planning process alongside input from the Southlake Kids Interested in Leadership program and the Community Engagement Committee, according to city planning documents.
How to apply
Students can find the application at the city's SYAC page. All required materials must be submitted by the Aug. 21 deadline. The city has not announced a specific orientation or first meeting date beyond confirming the October-through-May schedule.
SYAC operates under the City of Southlake government, listed as a board and commission under the Mayor and City Council. Director of Community Services David Miller oversees the department that houses the program.
Coming up in Southlake
- Friday, Aug. 21 — SYAC application deadline
- October 2026 — SYAC monthly meetings begin (specific date TBD)
