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State Youth Council

Colorado State Youth Council


The State Youth Council (SYC) is a sub-committee of the Education & Training Steering Committee of the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC). The SYC advises and champions the creation of multiple pathways to economic and career success for Colorado’s youth. The SYC serves as the youth expertise body of the CWDC and will: 

  • Identify and champion promising practices advancing youth talent development.
  • Engage youth on their expertise and lived experiences to inform decisions.
  • Advise on how to best engage youth in career-connected learning opportunities.
  • Provide recommendations on policies and practices impacting youth talent development.
  • Make recommendations for use of SYC funds.


The State Youth Council convenes quarterly to set the direction of initiatives and programs impacting youth talent development in Colorado. The SYC has chosen to focus on advancing the following strategic priorities:  

  • Advise on effective implementation of WIOA to improve youth workforce outcomes.
  • Accelerate and champion registered apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities for youth.
     

Values: 

  • Youth engaged as partners and decision makers
  • Dignity in all pathways 
  • Collaboration
  • Sustainability
  • Agility
  • Inclusivity
  • Operational excellence
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State Youth Council Members

State Youth Council (SYC) appointees serve two-year terms as voting members of the SYC and work to promote and advise the CWDC on efforts to create multiple pathways to economic and career success for Colorado’s youth. The SYC is made up of young leaders under the age of 26, state agency members, and representatives from Colorado non-profits and other community-based organizations.

Executive Committee Members

Jennifer Landers, Colorado Young Leaders, Co-Chair

Nick Huber, Co-Chair

Steve Wright, CDLE - Workforce Development Programs, SYC Treasurer

Cheryl Carver, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, SYC Secretary

Alex Trinklein, Youth Leader

Youth Leadership

Vanessa Tao

Jonathan Kim

Madinatou Kouanda

Ashlynne Bogema

Madison (Maddie) Lee

Jessica LeBlang

Michael Zhang

Isaiah Jiron

State Agency Members

Dan Kraus, Colorado Workforce Development Council, Pueblo JATC

Sam Fogleman, Colorado Department of Higher Education

Michelle Dennis, Colorado Community College System

Lauren Radin, Colorado Department of Education

Drew Grissom, CDLE, Office of the Future of Work, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment

Suzie Miller, Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium

Partner Organizations

Bob Gemignani, Pikes Peak Business & Education Alliance

Glenn Hard, Careers in Construction

Stephanie Murphy, Junior Achievement

Ashleigh Phillips, Centura Health

Leticia Frandina, Adams County Education Consortium

Kylie Parks, Arvada Chamber of Commerce

Greg Cordova, Employment Services of Weld County

Sydney Golditch, Arapahoe/Douglas Works

Shao Yeung, Arapahoe Community College

Melanie Kesner, Young Invincibles

Tawnya Russell, City of Brighton

Amber Palmeri, Mile High Youth Corps

Michael Stelling, Northglenn High School

 

Youth Engagement

Do you have an organization, event, or promising practice that you would like highlighted? Use the form below and your submission may be included on the SYC website.
 

   Make a Submission


 

Meeting Dates & Materials 

Materials for past and upcoming meetings can be accessed via the drop-down menus below.

Upcoming Quarterly Meeting Dates:

Previous dates and materials for past meetings are available upon request, please email cwdc_syc@state.co.us for your request.

 


 

Resources

Colorado Statewide Youth Development Plan

The Colorado Department of Human Services maintains the Colorado Statewide Youth Development Plan, which presents a vision for a strong youth development network and strategies for improving an array of youth-focused policies, practices and programs. At the core of the vision and strategies is the incorporation of positive youth development principles into the services and programs for youth ages 9 to 25 in Colorado.

Learn more and access the Colorado Statewide Youth Development Plan.

Mental Health Resources

This section includes resources from the SYC Mental Health Sub-group


 

Get Involved

State Youth Council meetings are free and open to the public. All are welcome to participate in State Youth Council meetings and share their ideas on youth talent development in Colorado.
 

Become a member

The State Youth Council is currently recruiting new voting members. Please complete an application and we will follow up regarding your interest. State Youth Council Application