Boston teen-agers have until April 13 to apply for the 2018-2019 Mayor's Youth Council, a group of 85 high school-aged youth “committed to improving their communities and empowering other young people in the city.”

The number of youths representing neighborhoods is based upon census data that indicates where young people live.

"I am incredibly proud of what our Mayor's Youth Council has been able to accomplish, and look forward to even more students sharing their voices and ideas on the council," said Mayor Martin Walsh, noting that it “helps ensure we are making decisions that reflect what young people in Boston need to make our city even better, and I encourage all Boston teens to apply for this great opportunity."

MYC representatives form issue-centric subcommittees based on input from youth and Mayor Walsh's cabinet structure. In order to apply to be a neighborhood representative on the Council, students must be Boston residents and entering grades 9-12 (or of comparable age). All applicants will participate in a group interview and new applicants must submit a letter of recommendation.

"I joined the Mayor's Youth Council because I wanted to get involved in something bigger than myself," said Michael Martinez, a 17-year-old student from Roxbury. “It is an opportunity for me to grow, learn, and to be a voice for other youth in the city of Boston."

In the past year, members of the MYC have worked on a variety of issues related to public safety, and civic engagement. The Council partners with youth organizations to write the rules and oversee the implementation of Youth Lead the Change, the community input process for how the city spends $1 million of the city budget. The Youth Lead initiative has funded numerous projects across the city, including the expansion of free wifi in Boston's neighborhoods, the installation of water bottle filling stations in parks, and increased trash and recycling bins.

The MYC is overseen by Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) Division of Youth Engagement & Employment. Northeastern University is a longtime sponsor of the program. To learn more and to apply online, visit boston.gov .