Join the Oklahoma Youth Advisory Council

The Oklahoma Youth Advisory Council brings together young people with lived experience to help improve mental health programs, services, and policies across Oklahoma. This page provides details about eligibility, expectations, and how to apply.

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Applicants must:

• Be 16–24 years old
• Live in Oklahoma
• Have current or past experience with at least one of the following programs, services, or supports:
  • Child Welfare (e.g., child protective services, foster care, adoption, juvenile or family court)
  • Juvenile Justice (e.g., detention, residential programs, court, diversion programs)
  • Community Mental Health Services (e.g., counseling, therapy, psychiatric services, crisis lines, residential treatment, care management)
  • Homelessness or Housing instability (e.g., emergency shelters, transitional housing, couch surfing, school-identified homelessness)
  • Education-Based Supports (e.g., school counseling, alternative education programs, special education services)
  • Health or Behavioral Health Services (e.g., primary care, behavioral health treatment, substance use services)
  • Other youth-serving systems or programs that support children, youth and families.
• Be interested in improving the mental health system for youth in Oklahoma
• Be willing to share their perspective in group discussions

(Public speaking opportunities may be available but are not required.)

• Up to 4 hours per month
• Meetings are typically held monthly
• Meetings may be virtual or in person (details provided after selection)
• Annual orientation and retreat (approximately 6-8 hours) designed to support relationship building, learning and leadership development
• Optional activities may include reviewing materials or completing short surveys between meetings

Details about meeting schedules, formats, and the annual retreat will be shared in advance.

• OYAC members are paid $30 per hour, up to 4 hours per month, subject to available program funding. OCCY will notify members in advance of any changes to compensation
• Travel expenses may be reimbursed for youth who attend OCCY-sponsored OYAC activities, in accordance with state policies and available funding
• Compensation is provided through OCCY’s payment process
• Selected members will receive guidance and support with the required paperwork

OYAC is designed to be a supportive and youth-centered space. Members receive:

• Orientation and onboarding
• Clear expectations and facilitation
• Support when discussing sensitive topics
• Opportunities to build confidence and leadership skills
• Accommodations and accessibility support as needed

Youth input from OYAC helps:

• Inform statewide mental health initiatives
• Improve youth-facing programs and services
• Shape recommendations shared with leaders and partners
• Elevate youth voice in decision-making spaces

Complete the online application by clicking here.

Application deadline is February 1, 2026. Selected members will be notified by March 1, 2025.

For more information, contact:

Amoreena Killough, MPH
Cross Systems Coordinator
amoreena.killough@occy.ok.gov

Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page.