Oklahoma Youth Advisory Council

Youth voice shaping youth mental health in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Youth Advisory Council (OYAC) exists to ensure young people’s voices are heard in mental health programs, services, and policies in our state.

Your experiences and ideas matter. Youth across Oklahoma have valuable insight into what works, what doesn’t, and what needs to change. Through OYAC, young people work alongside system leaders, service providers, and community partners to help build a mental health system that truly listens to and supports youth.

OYAC is convened by the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY) and focuses on elevating youth voice to strengthen mental health supports statewide.

OYAC is for young people who:

• Are 16–24 years old
• Live in Oklahoma
• Have lived experience with mental health services, youth-serving programs or supports
• Want to use their voice to help improve mental health supports for other youth

OYAC members:

• Share their experiences and perspectives on youth mental health
• Give feedback on programs, services, and policies
• Help identify gaps and opportunities for improvement
• Participate in monthly meetings and discussions
• May have opportunities to share youth recommendations with partners (with support)

• Get paid for your time ($30/hour, subject to available funding)
• Build leadership and advocacy skills
• Connect with mentors and youth-serving health leaders
• Learn how programs and systems work- and how to change them
• Help make mental health services more youth-friendly and accessible

Learn more about eligibility, time commitment, and how to apply.

For questions, contact:
Amoreena Killough, MPH
Cross Systems Coordinator
Amoreena.Killough@occy.ok.gov

Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page.