The Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council (MYEC) is a leadership group made up of high school students across Fort Wayne who want to make an impact in their community. The program gives teens the chance to learn about city government, volunteer in civic projects, and share their perspectives directly with city leaders. It’s all about helping young people understand how decisions are made and how they can be part of them.
Each year, MYEC members are chosen through an application process open to students from every Fort Wayne high school ranging from 10th to the 12th grade. Once accepted, they serve as a voice for their peers and work closely with city departments, nonprofits, and local organizations. Members attend workshops, plan events, and collaborate on projects that tackle topics like youth violence, mental health, environment change, community safety, and diversity.
The council meets biweekly at Citizens Square, where students discuss local issues and brainstorm ideas that could benefit the city’s younger population. They also work directly with the mayor’s office and other officials to learn how local government functions behind the scenes. It’s a rare opportunity; and one that gives students a chance to see what leadership looks like on a real civic level.
On September 27, the MYEC hosted its Youth Violence Prevention Forum at Foellinger Theatre. The event brought together local leaders, students, and guest speakers to talk about how to address violence in schools and neighborhoods. Community booths, music, and open discussion made the evening feel both serious and hopeful.
“We wanted to start a real conversation, not just about what’s going wrong, but about what can be done better,” said Katie Ma, president of the MYEC. “young people have ideas and solutions, and this forum showed that city leaders are ready to listen.”
Mayor Sharon Tucker praised the council’s efforts, said, “The students in MYEC represent the future of Fort Wayne. Their voices, their energy, that’s what keeps this city growing in the right direction.”
For many, joining the MYEC is more than just a resume booster. It’s a chance to practice civic engagement firsthand and to see how much change can start with just a small group of determined young people.
