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The Youth Commission of the City of Federal Way

The Youth Commission of the City of Federal Way is a youth-driven body dedicated to fostering future opportunities for the youth of Federal Way. Our mission is to safeguard, enrich, and advance the well-being of Federal Way's youth by providing counsel to the City Council and the community on matters concerning youth policies, initiatives, and pathways. View the Youth Commission Code here.

Terms
Terms of office run from September 1st to August 31st. Members are appointed to serve two-year terms; all commissioners serve without compensation.

Eligibility
Candidates should either be entering grades 9 through 12 or be of comparable age if not enrolled in a conventional school program. Canidates appointed to serve on the Commission must reside within the Federal Way city limits during the member’s terms, attend high school within the city limits, or attend a high school that is part of the Federal Way School District. The City Council will select commission members representing a diverse cross-section of students. Freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible.

Youth Commissioners in the City of Federal Way have the chance to:

  • Enhance their public-speaking, facilitation, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Foster a deeper understanding of cultural competency and promote inclusive civic engagement.
  • Gain insights from prominent community and City leaders while forming new connections.
  • Engage in discussions with fellow youth around Federal Way, exploring solutions to local issues and developing ideas to address them.
  • Speak to the Mayor, City Council, and municipal departments on matters affecting the youth population in Federal Way.
  • Work together on a community projects.
  • Coordinate an annual event, or multiple events, aimed at connecting youth with local government and topics relevant to their interests and concerns.

 Current Youth Commission Members

  • Maleha Tasnim
  • Sienna Mayo
  • Juan Juarez-Ramos
  • Satinder Singh Grewal
  • Mary Mbugua
  • Aissata Bangoura
  • Winston Nguyen
  • Zarah Imani Dennis
  • Karis Song
  • Walter Carias, Alternate
  • Vacant, Alternate
  • Vacant, Alternate

Meetings

The Firstep Scholarship

The Federal Way Youth Commission established the FirStep Scholarship in 2019 to award funds to youth who are unable to afford recreational activities.  Based on the belief that recreation is important for the emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development of children, it is the Youth Commission’s goal to make a positive difference and provide opportunity underprivileged youth.

  • No limit on residence
  • One recreation program per application / FWCC 3 month membership
  • We will award up to $1000 per quarter.
  • Firstep Scholarship is not retroactive and cannot be applied toward previous registrations and/or membership payments.

Funds awarded are at the discretion of the YC and may not be at the full price of the requestor.

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be in grades 6th-12th (12-17yrs) with proof of school ID
  • Households must be approved through FWCC Fee Reduction program
  • Can apply once a quarter (January-March, April-June, July-September, October-December)

Application Process:

  1. Get approved for Financial Assistance through FWCC.
  2. Fill out the application form in its entirety.
  3. Youth Commission will review applications on the 4th Thursday of each month for the following month.

Click Here to Apply for the Firstep Scholarship

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