Healthy RC Youth Leaders, started in 2011, give teens an active meaningful voice and empowers teens to represent their peers to take action and promote a healthier community. This unique program provides students with the leadership experience and local government knowledge to work on issues that matter to them. The Youth Leaders work on developing policies and initiatives to promote health living. Youth Leaders meet twice a month during the academic school year at City Hall. Applicants must be 12-17 (middle or high school) to apply. We encourage students who want to make an impact in their community to apply today!

Join Youth Leaders if you want to:

Work on issues that matter to youth
Promote healthy living
Work with City officials
Develop communication and leadership skills that will enhance your confidence and personal growth
Participate in trainings and conferences
Learn about local government
Represent Youth Leaders in local, regional, and national platforms
Build your resume and gain career experience
Have fun!

Watch Recruitment Video

Applications are now open .

Application Process

1. Turn in applications including the “Written Evaluation Form”: August 17th by 6 p.m.

2. Applicant interviews: week of Monday August 28- September 13th

3. Applicants notified if they are selected

We are no longer accepting applications at this time. Check back again next year in August 2024 for the next cycle of applications.

If applicant is selected

• Wednesday October 4th (4-5:30pm) is the 1st Meeting and Orientation.

• Ongoing sessions throughout the year and will take place twice a month- every other week -, every month through the end of June. Final Research Project Presentations to City Council will take place June 26th, 2024. Mandatory Meetings will be held at 10500 Civic Center Drive Rancho Cucamonga | City Hall.

Where do I turn in my application and “Written Response”?

To be considered for this program, you must complete this entire application online by August 17th 6 p.m.

Apply to Youth Leaders

Using Data for Action | 2020 Youth Leader Research Projects

Vape Policy Research Group

The Vape Policy Research group created maps to determine the distribution of smoke shops in the city and how this is an equity issue because of their proximity to schools in certain neighborhoods. Check out their policy recommendations to City Council and see their interactive strategies on address vape awareness to the teen community.

Vape Policy Presentation

Mental Health

The research project team dived into teen mental health data and shared how Rancho Cucamonga teens are by affected suicidal ideation and mental health conditions. In order to break the stigma and connect resources to teens, they created a mental health resource post card that was distributed to students, teachers, and counselors throughout the city. They also created mental health check-ins for teens to provide support groups for the mental health. Check out their presentation and their recommendations to city stake-holders!

Mental Health Awareness

Equity and Inclusion

Our community is diverse and welcomes people from all backgrounds.The Equity and Inclusion research group decided to understand the needs of non-English speaking populations by connecting with the English Conversation Club at Archibald Library. They delved into how how city services can better serve their their needs. They developed strategies to improve communications and provide a welcoming environment at city facilities. Check out their project recommendations here!

Equity and Inclusion presentation

Healthy Eating

Youth Leaders are helping improve communication and create bilingual content for our Healthy RC CASA Cooking Class. They have been able to connect thousands of residents to healthy recipes to make the healthy choice the easy choice.

Recipes for Healthy Eating

Environmental Action

Sustainability is a value that is important for our Youth Leaders! They created a plan for refill stations and recycling at Alta Loma High School with the help of community surveys, awareness campaigns, and educational tools. Taking local actions for global solutions is key and we are looking forward to spreading this initiative further throughout the city and across more schools.

Taking local actions for global solutions

Addressing Teen Homelessness in Rancho Cucamonga

Youth Leaders have addressed strategies for increasing connections and resources for teens experiencing homelessness. In partnership with the One-Stop Ontario Transitional Aged Youth Center, they were able to develop informational postcards to distribute across the city. Check out how they use data to inform the needs of teen experiencing homelessness.

Teen homelessness data for action

Youth Leaders