Amplifying Youth Voice for a More Equitable East King County

What You’ll Do

• Build Relationships & Explore Identity
  Connect with other youth and reflect on your culture, values, and leadership style.
• Lead Conversations
  Learn and practice facilitation skills that will help you lead with confidence in any space.
• Analyze Community Data
  Use Eastside Pathways’ Community Report to understand local trends and how they relate to your lived experience.
• Choose What Matters Most
  Identify the issues that matter to you and begin exploring creative, community-centered solutions.
• Develop & Refine Solutions
  Work collaboratively to turn your ideas into actionable recommendations.
• Present to Leaders
  Cap off the program with Presentation Day, where you’ll share your recommendations with local civic and community leaders. Families are welcome to attend!

Why Join the Youth Council?

✔️ Strengthen leadership and communication skills
✔️ Be part of a youth-led effort to improve systems in East King County
✔️ Build relationships with peers and adult mentors
✔️ Get paid for your time and contributions
✔️ Gain experience in data, advocacy, and systems thinking

How to Join

1. A parent or guardian must complete and e-sign the registration form.
2. The youth participant will then receive a copy by email to review and e-sign.
3. Participants should review and sign the Participant Code of Conduct included in the form.

Participants must be entering grades 4 and beyond in the 2026–2027 school year to qualify.

All applicants will be notified of their application status by June 24th, 2026.

Aarushi Vashisth, the 2025 Summer Intern, co-lead the 2025 Youth Council with her dedication to fostering inclusive and dynamic educational environments. Each meeting her brought her leadership experience help cultivate a rewarding season for the Youth Council Members. We are excited to see what the future holds for this incredible leader. In addition to her role at Eastside Pathways Aarushi is also studying Finance at George Mason University, President of Lambda Sigma Honor Society and Vice President of the Investment Club.

Emma Flemming, a student at Chapman University, was the 2024 Summer Intern and 2024 Youth Council co-lead. Emma brought her creativity, foresight and adaptability to the program. Thanks to her adaptability and drive we were able to empower youth of all ages. 

Aashvi Govind, Accounting and Political Science at Northeastern University, was our first summer intern to co-lead our Youth Council. Helping lay the foundation the infrastructure and programming that continues to empower youth in our region. We are incredibly honored to have work with this budding leader.