Dallas Youth Commission: Youth Strategic Plan – Dallas, TX

Problem/Rationale: Youth civic engagement is essential to creating equitable and effective policies. When young people participate in civic life, communities benefit from their insight and diversity. However, youth—especially from marginalized backgrounds—are often excluded from decision-making, leading to disengagement and inequity. By cultivating civic habits early, Dallas aims to build lifelong participation and strengthen democracy through youth partnership in local policy and community life.

Goals: 

• Elevate youth voices in local government and policymaking.

• Build civic habits and leadership skills through real-world participation.

• Support youth-led initiatives that strengthen community engagement.

• Foster collaboration between youth, city leaders, and local organizations.

• Promote equity and inclusion by reaching diverse youth across Dallas.

Project Summary: 

The Dallas Youth Commission (DYC) is a 15-member board of high school students dedicated to public service and civic leadership. Since its inception, the Commission has provided youth with an official platform to influence city policy, organize community initiatives, and build leadership experience. Many alumni have gone on to serve in public office.

Every two years, the DYC develops a Youth Strategic Plan to guide its initiatives. Recent actions include:

Dallas Youth Magazine:

A biannual publication designed to elevate youth voices and perspectives. The first issue featured 40 student contributors and was distributed to more than 40,000 Dallas-area high school students.

Teens for Dallas Grant:

A community service grant program supporting youth-led organizations that complete service projects in exchange for funding. Ten youth organizations have received grants and participated in citywide clean-ups and tree-planting efforts.

Community Closet:

Created in partnership with Period Access Dallas, this student-led project provides hygiene products to students in need at L.G. Pinkston High School and other campuses. Since launch, it has served over 300 students and collected 85 boxes of supplies.

Town Hall for Teens:

A citywide youth forum allowing students to voice concerns and engage with local officials. More than 200 students attended the inaugural event, discussing issues such as sexual education, dress codes, and access to menstrual products. The Commission has since hosted six additional town halls focused on police-youth relations, social media professionalism, voter registration, and career skills.

Mayor’s Intern Fellows Program (MIFP):

As ambassadors for this city program, Youth Commissioners help connect students with professional opportunities. Modeled after the White House Fellows Program, MIFP offers eight-week paid internships for high school students. Since inception, it has provided over 3,500 internships in sectors including law, healthcare, education, government, engineering, and technology.

Engagement Strategies: 

The city engages young people through a variety of strategies designed to amplify their voices and foster civic participation. Youth take on leadership and advisory roles within city government, helping to shape policies and programs that affect their peers. Through digital engagement on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, the city maintains active communication and outreach with youth audiences. Regular youth forums and town halls provide opportunities for participants to share concerns directly with public officials, while youth-led grantmaking and community service projects empower them to take action on local priorities. Collaboration with city departments, nonprofits, and schools further expands opportunities for involvement, and ambassador roles in city workforce development programs help young people gain valuable experience and strengthen their connection to civic life.

Outcomes: 

Dallas has made remarkable progress in expanding youth engagement and leadership opportunities across the city. Through the Mayor’s Intern Fellows Program, more than 3,500 students have gained hands-on professional experience in local workplaces. The inaugural Dallas Youth Magazine reached over 40,000 high school students, amplifying youth voices and highlighting civic opportunities. Ten youth organizations received Teens for Dallas grants to lead service projects, resulting in multiple citywide volunteer events. Additionally, 300 students were supported through Community Closet initiatives providing essential resources, and over 200 students participated in citywide Town Halls and six related community events. This sustained investment in youth engagement has also led to growing representation in civic leadership, with program alumni now serving in public service roles throughout Dallas.

Additional Resources:

Dallas, TX Presentation

Local Contact:

Taylor Moody

Director, Dallas Youth Commission

[email protected]