Apply

May 19, 2021

2026 application timeline

May 17: Application is open. Apply here (Google Forms)
Sunday, May 31 at 7 p.m.: Optional info session on Zoom (Register here in advance; After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information to join the meeting.)
Friday, June 5 at 11:59 p.m. MDT: Application closes
June: Current members review anonymized applications. COYAC will notify all applicants.
July 1: First day of our 2026-27 cohort

Open seats for 2026-27

One seat for a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe
One seat for a member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe
State senate districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 31, 32, 34 (Find your senate district)
Three at-large seats selected to help ensure diversity on the council, with an express concern for adequate rural representation.

Eligibility

COYAC youth members must be:

Ages 14-19

Enrolled in and attending a Tribal or Colorado junior high, middle, or high school, including an online or charter school or approved facility school as defined in section 22-2-402, C.R.S.; be participating in a nonpublic, home-based educational program; be participating in a high school equivalency examination program; or have obtained a high school diploma through successful completion of a high school equivalency examination, as defined in section 22-33-102 (8.5).

What students gain from COYAC

Practical knowledge about how laws are made in Colorado

Training and practice in nonpartisanship and civility

Leadership and negotiating skills

Experience working and learning with diverse groups of people, coalition building, and teamwork

Personal accountability, accomplishment, and confidence

Skills in public speaking, research, and outreach

Opportunity to build relationships in Colorado government, policy, and advocacy

New friends!

Commitment

Serve a two-year term (members may serve more than one term)

Attend meetings

July 9, 2026, 7:45-9:00 p.m.: New member orientation on Zoom
In-person days
- August 29-30, 2026: In-person overnight retreat in Denver (lodging and meals provided)
- March 1, 2027: Day at the Capitol in Denver—travel funding is available
- June 12, 2027: Awards & senior send-off dinner in the Denver metro area
Monthly virtual all-COYAC meetings on the second Thursday of the month, 7:45-9:15 p.m.

Fully participate in at least one student-led policy committee. These committees meet virtually – typically once a week – to accomplish COYAC’s goals of advising and providing recommendations to members of the Colorado Legislature

Respond promptly to all COYAC communications using an assigned @coyac.org email address and check email at least twice per week. Complete paperwork and email responses by stated deadlines. RSVP yes, no, or maybe to calendar invitations for meetings and events.

Communicate about attendance and tasks. No ghosting!

Consult students and youth organizations in your senate district about youth-related issues and the work of COYAC