The Youth Advisory Board brings together Kentucky's young people to explore how the state's history connects to today's issues. Members work on projects that make history more accessible and encourage civic engagement, producing tangible work such as educational materials grounded in research, data, and other resources that highlight historic events and civic topics.
The program equips Kentucky's young adults with the knowledge and confidence to be informed, active participants in civic life and gives them a meaningful space to explore what our history means for the present and future of their communities.
REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be:
- Rising freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors in high school
- Able to serve a one-year term, from February through December
- Able to attend monthly in-person meetings on the Kentucky Historical Society campus and a separate monthly virtual meeting
- Able to complete 3-6 hours of work at home on their own, per month
YOUTH ADVISOR STIPEND
To support our Youth Advisory Board, members:
- Receive a one-time payment of $500
- All other costs pertaining to the program for students are covered by the Martha Layne Collins Women’s Leadership Giving Circle, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, and the Kentucky Historical Society
STUDENT ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES
During each one-year term, the Youth Advisory Board meets twice a month to:
- Evaluate the student experience while visiting Kentucky Historical Society
- Share perspectives about the current student-focused programs and resources
- Review existing classroom and community resources
- Identify learning standards for new student programs
- Provide input to the development of new educational content
- Discuss current and historical issues important to today’s student audience
- Create hands-on, team-based projects
IDEAL CANDIDATE TRAITS
You might be an excellent candidate if you want to:
- Get a behind-the-scenes perspective of Kentucky Historical Society and gain insight into the museum field.
- Have an interest in civic or social studies related field such as law, government, history, public policy, or social studies education.
- See museums not just as destination sites but as valuable resources for classrooms and communities
- Join a network of other students from Kentucky
- Develop leadership and professional skills like organization and time management, teamwork and cooperation, conflict resolution, communication, and negotiation
APPLICATION
To be considered, all application materials must be received by December 18th, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed after this date.
Microsoft Form: To be considered, please complete the Youth Advisory Board 2027 application form available through the “Apply Now” button at the bottom of the page. We kindly ask that you provide thoughtful, clear, and thorough responses to the prompts.
Submitting this application signifies your commitment to fully participate in the Youth Advisory Board’s one-year term, scheduled for February-December 2027, should you be selected. This commitment includes, but is not limited to, attending all scheduled meetings, both virtually via Zoom and in person at the Kentucky Historical Society’s campus, as well as participating in the four-day summer conference (June 22–25, 2027)and the two-day winter retreat (December 10–11, 2027).
The selection committee will evaluate participants for the 2027 program based on the following criteria:
- A demonstrated commitment to civic or social studies topics
- A plan to disseminate your learning among your community and schools
- Geographic representation from across Kentucky to ensure statewide inclusivity
- An agreement to fully participate in the full length of your term
Students selected to participate in the Youth Advisory Board will be notified by Feb. 1, 2027. If you have any questions about the program or need to withdraw your name from consideration at any time, please contact mackenzie.scarlott@ky.gov for assistance.