Youth Advisory Project
Three Big Problems.
One Solution.
Young people, particularly in their teens and twenties, are disillusioned with government institutions.
Elected officials have little to no incentive to meaningfully engage with constituents who can’t donate or vote yet.
There is a lack of civic opportunity outside of voting, and few accessible professional pipelines to develop the next generation of public service talent.
The Youth Advisory Project is working to establish a network of 500+ youth advisory councils in local, state, and federal government by 2030.
Direct Support
YAP works directly with government staff on the local, state, and national level to introduce the idea of Youth Advisory Councils alongside staffers who can speak to their own experience creating the program.
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We provide one-on-one support, training, and resources to close gaps
Research
YAP is currently conducting a national survey of over 480+ YACs. Stayed tuned for our first report coming in August 2025.
Consulting
As a project of Lifted Futures Strategy LLC, YAP consults for government entities, think tanks, and non-profits to produce programming and research aimed at increasing youth voice in government institutions.
Advocacy
YAP works with youth-led organizations on the ground to build and demonstrate support for youth advisory councils.
YAP's impact so far:
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Led a lobby day on Capitol Hill with over 20 organizations to lobby for HR 4444, a bill to establish an office of Young Americans in the White House where we discussed individual office’s interest in and knowledge of YACs
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Published an op-ed on the importance of youth voices at all level of government with the Chair of the San Francisco Youth Advisory Commision
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Led a briefing co-sponsored by the Future Forum Caucus for 30+ district-level congressional staff on how they can establish Youth Advisory Councils in their offices
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Met with officials and staff across the country who have successfully managed YACs to compile information and best practices
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Aliza Lifshitz
Founder
Aliza Lifshitz is the Founder of the Youth Advisory Project (YAP), a national initiative embedding youth voice in public institutions through non-partisan Youth Advisory Councils. A seasoned strategist with a background in policy and organizing, Aliza has led national advocacy efforts, advised congressional and White House staff, and built civic pathways for young people across the country. She holds a degree from Barnard College, Columbia University, and is pursuing a Master's in Public Policy at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy.
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