For the first time in eight years, the Philadelphia Youth Commission is fully staffed as part of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s Commission on Youth Engagement.

On Monday, July 8, 21 young people were appointed to the Commission during a ceremony at City Hall.

During her remarks, Parker highlighted that Philadelphia is home to an estimated 345,000 children, representing 21.7 percent of the city’s population.

“Yet their voices go unheard and they lack representation in government,” Parker said. “So having the Youth Commission is important. It gives the youth the chance to bring their issues, their thoughts and their concerns to the table by fellow young people who mirror them in the community.”

Of the 21 youth commissioners, 17 were appointed by City Council and four were appointed by the mayor.

The ceremony was led by Shania Bennett, director of the Mayor’s Office of Youth Engagement, who highlighted how important it is for the representation of the Youth Commission and of city government to reflect that of the city.

The youth commissioners are part of a number of subcommittees that touch on some of the most prevalent challenges affecting Philadelphia youth, such as mental health, economic development, workforce preparedness, and more.

One of the commissioners is Makayla Myers, who said she had a “profound sense of responsibility” in her role in being an empowering voice and helping build a brighter future for all.

The subcommittee spots are available for Philadelphia residents between the age of 12 and 23.

Read more about the Philadelphia Youth Commission and the Office of Youth Engagement at the City of Philadelphia.

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