The purpose of The State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council (SIYAC) is to foster communication among a group of engaged youth from across Iowa between the ages of 14 and 20 and the governor, general assembly, and state and local policymakers regarding programs, policies, and practices affecting youth and families; and to advocate for youth on important issues affecting youth. SIYAC was originally established in 2001 by Governor Tom Vilsack as a way to inform legislators and policymakers on issues important to youth. In 2009, SIYAC was established in Iowa Code §216A.140(8) under the Department of Human Rights, Iowa Collaboration for Youth Development. These youth leaders are selected to represent all Iowa youth and engage in topics important to young Iowans. Concerns are drafted and shared with policy makers during the legislative session.
Accepting applications now until May 31, 2025
List items for SIYAC Accordion
| First Name | Last Name | SIYAC Title | Home Community |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ebelechukwu (Ebele) | Agu | IDEA Chair | Altoona |
| Melvin (Mel) | Akakpo Ayewanou | Member | Johnston |
| Lin | Aung | Secretary | Ottumwa |
| Claire | Badio | Mental Health Committee Chair | Des Moines |
| Shalini | Chandupatla | Public Relations Chair | Bettendorf |
| Lucy | DeBoest | Member | Ames |
| Alexander | Demuth | Legislative Affairs Chair | Pella |
| Amal | Eltayib | Environment Committee Chair | Iowa City |
| Hadley | Harvey | Chair | Des Moines |
| Naima | Haynes | Member | Waterloo |
| Zach | Klopping | Vice Chair | Vinton |
| Greta | Lee | Member | Ankeny |
| Tristin | Lee | Member | West Burlington |
| Mariana | Martinez | Member | Bettendorf |
| Nadia | Patel | Service Chair | Cedar Falls |
| Hailey | Schaack | Education Committee Chair | Eldridge |
| Maggie | Taylor | Member | Sioux City |
| Alexis | Van Voorst | Member | Hull, Iowa |
| Anna | Werning | Member | Elk Run Heights |
| SirMichael Carrington | Williams-Thomas | Member | West Des Moines |
| Aleena | Wittenburg | Community Engagement Committee Chair | Swisher |
To raise awareness of issues that affect young Iowans by providing civic opportunity and to inspire youth to create a better future for Iowa.
A State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council has been created to provide input to the Governor, general assembly, and state and local policymakers on youth issues. "Youth" is defined as children and young persons who are ages 6 through 21 years.
The purpose of the youth advisory Council is to foster communication among a group of engaged youth and the Governor, general assembly, and state and local policymakers regarding programs, policies, and practices affecting youth and families; and to advocate for youth on important issues affecting youth.
To become a member of SIYAC, you must:
- Live in Iowa
- Be between the ages of 14-20
- Commit to attending monthly meetings (1st Sundays of the month from 7:00pm-9:00pm via Zoom)
- Commit to attend quarterly meetings (in-person on a weekday)
- Commit to serving a two-year term