Nevada’s Next Generation of Youth Leaders

Nevada is home to incredibly talented, compassionate, and motivated young people. When students are given the opportunity, resources, and trust to lead, they can accomplish extraordinary things.

Are you ready to make a real impact in your community? Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Nevada Volunteers Youth Council! If you're a high school student passionate about making a difference, developing your leadership skills, and connecting with other driven youth, this is your chance to join a statewide team of changemakers.

The Nevada Volunteers Youth Council is a statewide program that brings together high school students from communities across Nevada to develop skills in leadership, collaboration, project management, volunteer engagement, and community problem-solving. Most importantly, it gives young people a place to channel their ideas, energy, and compassion into projects that make a meaningful difference.

Participation can also provide students with opportunities to earn volunteer service hours toward school and district service requirements while developing real-world skills and building relationships with other young leaders from across the state.

As we enter the fourth year of the Youth Council, we are proud of what Nevada's young people have already accomplished. Over the past three years, Youth Council members have:

• Formed four new nonprofit organizations

• Published children's books addressing volunteerism, learning to love math, and dental hygiene

• Created the Nevada Holocaust Youth Council

• Led initiatives addressing food insecurity, period poverty, mental health and wellness, book accessibility, car seat safety, and other community needs

• Developed 33 youth-led projects, engaging 2,084 volunteers, including 1,694 youth, who collectively contributed 8,956 hours of service

• Earned Governor's Volunteer Recognition Certificates and Presidential Volunteer Service Awards

Youth Council members may also apply to serve as the Nevada Volunteers Youth Commissioner, an appointment made by the Governor. Two Youth Commissioners have served to date, and we are currently awaiting the appointment of our third.

Our 2025–2026 Youth Commissioner, Sophia Booth of Silverado High School, led an outstanding Youth Empowerment campaign that resulted in one of Spread the Word Nevada's largest book drives to date. Her work is just one example of what can happen when we give young people a platform and encourage them to lead.

Don't miss out—share this opportunity with your friends, classmates, and anyone who wants to step up and lead. Whether you're already a leader or just getting started, the Youth Council welcomes everyone who wants to contribute and grow.

We believe the Nevada Volunteers Youth Council is stronger because it includes students with all kinds of backgrounds, interests, and dreams. You don’t need a long resume—just a passion for your community and a willingness to learn, contribute, and make a difference. If you care, you belong here.

Attached is our 2026–2027 recruitment information.  Here is the link to view a presentation highlighting the work of the 2025–2026 Nevada Volunteers Youth Council. I encourage you to take a few minutes to see what these remarkable students have accomplished when given the opportunity to turn their ideas into action.

Nevada's young people have the energy, compassion, and ideas to strengthen our communities. We want to make sure they have a place to put that energy to work—and an opportunity to discover just how much they can accomplish.