Youth on Boards

Youth on Boards (YOB) Saint Paul

The City of Saint Paul welcomes and values the important perspective of young people in our community.  

YOB Saint Paul, a collaboration between Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, Right Track, and Sprockets, introduces young people to civic engagement and potential career pathways in local government while providing Saint Paul boards and commissions with support and structure to actively include young people in the decision-making process. 

Program Overview

YOB Saint Paul is a Right Track partner which allows to participants to gain valuable employment experience and be paid for their time. Youth ages 16-21 interested in the program must apply for the YJ2 internship through Right Track. After completing the Summer Academy internship, YOB representatives are appointed to a board or commission where they will serve a two-year term. YOB representatives are expected to attend their monthly board/commission meeting and may need to be excused from school as the boards and commissions meet at various times. In addition to the monthly board/commission meetings, YOB representatives are required to do a monthly check-in and attend the cohort meeting.  

During the school year, YOB representatives are expected to commit 6-10 hours a month.   

YOB staff will provide ongoing support, such as one-on-one mentoring/check-in, transportation support, job readiness, and more to ensure YOB representatives are successful. Additionally, YOB representatives are eligible for a stipend of up to $125 for attending their board/commission meetings and completing assigned learning tasks. 

Summer Academy

Summer Academy trains and prepares young people to be placed on boards and commissions while also introducing them to career pathways in local government.

The Summer Academy is a paid YJ2 internship through Right Track. YOB representatives are compensated $15 an hour and are expected to work 20 hours a week, Monday through Thursday, for eight weeks (June 20 – August 10).

After completing the Summer Academy internship, YOB representatives are appointed to a board and commission of their choice.