Become a 2025 NYC Votes Youth Ambassador

Did you know New York City has some of the lowest youth voter turnout across the nation? 

Pretty surprising, right? Is this something you want to change? Are you passionate about civic engagement, voting, and democracy, but you’re not yet legally able to vote or you just turned 18? 

If so, NYC Votes has an opportunity for you! Join our Youth Ambassador Program and take the step to become part of New York City’s next generation of leaders.

What is the NYC Votes Youth Ambassador Program?

The NYC Votes Youth Ambassador Program welcomes young New Yorkers who want to make an impact in their community. 

“Oftentimes, being young prompts others to have a preconceived notion that I am less capable of creating change, but this program empowers me to learn more about the city I am living in and go out to create change in my own community,” said former ambassador Dustin Wang from Queens.

The program, which is a paid opportunity, runs from May to August with an option to stay on through November 2025. Youth Ambassadors will work on a hybrid schedule that runs in three phases: Spring (June), Summer (July-August), and Fall (September-November). Participants will earn up to $500/month for 10-15 hours of work.

Accepted applicants will learn about the voting process, the history of democracy in New York City, how to get involved in local government and politics, how to educate and engage young voters, and more. Alongside New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) staff, Youth Ambassadors will also have the chance to gain skills in professional development, media training, and content creation. 

Program details

Picture this: You’re in! You’re an NYC Votes Youth Ambassador. So, what does that mean?

Youth Ambassadors are led by the CFB Youth Programs Manager and Youth Engagement Coordinators. The curriculum focuses on a “public goods framework,” meaning ambassadors will walk away with an understanding of what and why public goods — commodities  or services that are not for profit — are important for a democratic society.

The first phase of the program, which kicks off in June, is primarily virtual and hosted on Zoom. Meetings will occur Wednesdays at 5 to 7 p.m., and outside communication will happen over the messaging system Slack. 

During the second phase, through July and August, ambassadors will also have the chance to join their peers in person on field trips around the city, each based on a weekly topic.

After summer, there will be a brief break in programming. The final phase in fall is optional.

Over the course of the program, you will be expected to:

• Attend weekly meetings
• Share non-partisan election and voting information with their peers
• Participate in projects with CFB staff
• Complete a final research project
• Host Get Out the Vote events

Requirements for participation

What does it take to become a Youth Ambassador?

Here are the requirements. You must be:

• A full-time New York City resident
• Authorized to work in the U.S.
• Between 14-18 years of age
• Available Wednesday evenings from 5 - 7 p.m.
• Available Wednesday and Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. during the summer months

Does this sound like you or someone you know? Then read on for more details about how to join the next cohort of ambassadors.

Application process and deadline

Remember these dates: Applications open Feb. 10 and close Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. There will be no extensions granted under any circumstances, so plan accordingly!

In early March, applicants will be notified if they advanced to the first round of interviews. This interview will be a 30-minute Zoom meeting with the Youth Engagement Coordinator.

In early April, those who advance will be invited to the second and final round of interviews, which will consist of a 30-minute panel style interview with 3 CFB staff members. 

Offers will be extended at the end of April, and finalists will have until April 30 to accept.

If you have any questions throughout the application process, you can email youth@nyccfb.info.

The importance of engaging young voters

“Today, [voter] engagement is not perfect; the younger demographic has a considerably lower voter turnout compared to those in higher age groups,” Stella Vrapi, a former ambassador, said. 

Only 6.1% of eligible voters between ages 18-29 cast a ballot in the 2023 Primary Election, according to our 2023 Voter Analysis Report. This statistic highlights the importance of engaging young voters and getting them actively involved in elections.

There is a misconception that young voters are apathetic about politics. But that’s not the case. In reality, the voters between 18-29 are impassioned by a number of issues ranging from foreign policy to social justice. They just don’t know what they don’t know — like how to register to vote, why their vote matters, why youth voting is important, what’s at risk when they don’t hit the polls, and more.

Our Youth Ambassador Program aims to reach the next generation through their peers. 

Take it from a fellow Youth Ambassador: “Civic engagement is needed in our democracy today, and this program allows young New Yorkers to show others that they can use their voice to make a difference,” Vrapi said.

Start your application

Change starts with you. Start your application for the 2025 NYC Votes Youth Ambassador Program today!