The Autonomous Youth Council Experience
The Autonomous Youth Council (AYC) is a prime example of how connecting youth to meaningful roles in their community can spark change and empower the next generation of leaders. Through the AYC, 26 young people stepped into roles across eight organizations, bringing their perspectives directly into the rooms where decisions are made. Six of those organizations extended their placements into 2026 – a clear sign that this work is already making a difference.
During the March coalition meeting, several AYC members shared what the experience has looked like for them and how they’ve used their voices to inspire change. At Arts at Large, for instance, youth worked together to create a short film centered on what it means to grow up in Milwaukee. AYC member Max Reyes shared: “Honestly, it’s been a great experience. It’s very youth-led – we’re all working as directors, producers and writers on the film. It’s about how young people in Milwaukee experience growing up, bringing together writing, poetry and cinematography.”
Over at Lad Lake, AYC members have helped elevate the voices of the girls and young women, empowering them to call for change. Their input ultimately led the organization to update and modernize their dress code while opening the door for stronger youth leadership moving forward.
AYC member Kaylee Marsh reflected on her experience: “My favorite part was helping lift up youth voices, especially for those who might not feel as comfortable sharing how they feel.”
Within Milwaukee Succeeds itself, AYC member Layla Johnson has played a key role in shaping our Youth-Led Grantmaking Project, laying the groundwork for what it could – and should – look like. Her work came to life with a dynamic grantmaking conference on March 28, bringing together youth and adult partners to explore how funding decisions are made and begin building their proposals.
The influence of this work is still growing, with ripple effects seen across the city. After hosting two AYC members on its board, for example, Data You Can Use has begun building a youth advisory council, creating even more opportunities for young people to shape projects and guide decisions. One council member was even invited to serve as secretary of the board, embedding youth leadership directly into the organization’s governance.
Once the current AYC cohort concludes this June, our data team will gather feedback from the youth and community partners – which will, in turn, shape the second iteration of the council.