Get Involved: Youth & Students

The City has more than 40 boards, commissions, committees, and advisory groups that help shape local decisions on a wide range of topics that impact daily life daily life, from parks, recreation, and public safety to housing, historic preservation, transportation, and the waterfront. Learn about City departments, services, elected officials, boards, commissions, and community programs.

Explore City Government Resources:

• City Council
• Boards & Commissions

Attending a public meeting is a great way to explore issues that interest you. Hear different perspectives, stay informed about community issues, share your ideas with local leaders, and learn how decisions are made in your community.

While many positions require members to be 18 or older, some opportunities welcome youth participation and input.

• City Council
• Youth Council
• Parks & Recreation Commission 
• Planning Commission
• Historic Landmarks Commission
• Fire & Police Commission
• Harbor Commission
• Ordinance Committee
• and more!

Browse the Public Meeting Calendar and attend a meeting that matches your interests. 

Watch Meetings Online: Subscribe and Share

• City TV (Channel 18) & YouTube Livestream

Submit Public Comments

Can't attend a meeting? Share your thoughts by submitting written comments before the meeting.

Email: Clerk@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

Comments become part of the public record and are reviewed by decision-makers.

Young residents are encouraged to share ideas, concerns, and questions directly with City leaders.

Email the Mayor and City Council:
SBCityCouncil@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

For individual contact information for your district representative, visit Contact Mayor & Council.

Santa Barbara Youth Council gives young people a direct voice in local government.

Youth Council members:

• Represent youth perspectives
• Advise City leaders
• Recommend policies and programs
• Work on projects that impact local teens
• Build leadership and civic engagement skills

Explore current Youth Council and Advisory Group vacancies, and details about the application process.

Volunteering is a great way to earn service hours, develop leadership skills, meet new people, and improve your community.

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Adopt-A-Block
• Parks Volunteer Program
• Library Programs
• Community Events
• Environmental Stewardship Projects

Visit Volunteer (City of Santa Barbara).

Santa Barbara Public Library Teen Programs

The Library offers opportunities for teens to:

• Join the Teen Advisory Board (TAB)
• Volunteer during teen service hours
• Help shape teen programming and events
• Earn community service hours

Explore Teen Services & Volunteer Opportunities (SBPL).

Discover How to Volunteer at the Library.

Looking Good Santa Barbara

Participate in:

• Neighborhood cleanups
• Beach cleanups
• Community beautification projects

Benefits include:

• Verified service hours
• Supplies provided
• Opportunities for youth groups to earn funding for eligible projects

Explore Looking Good volunteer opportunities.

OG Readers Tutoring (Ages 16+)

Support local students through one-on-one reading tutoring using the Orton-Gillingham approach.

Benefits include:

• Training provided
• Community service hours
• Leadership and mentoring experience

Review FAQs for Adult Literacy and OG Readers Volunteer Tutors

Waterfront and Environmental Stewardship

Get involved in waterfront and harbor improvement projects, including community cleanup and environmental initiatives.

Learn more about current projects and services at the Waterfront Department.

Sign up for notifications for the Harbor Commission.

Youth Making Change

Youth ages 13–19 can help direct funding toward youth-led community projects throughout Santa Barbara County.

Learn more about Youth Making Change.

Working for the City is a great way to gain experience, build skills, and learn how local government operates. 

City aquatics facilities hire throughout the year, with increased hiring before summer.

Internships can help students gain hands-on experience in public service, communications, technology, environmental work, and other career fields.

Explore opportunities such as:

• Recreation Leaders
• Recreation Assistants
• Inclusion Specialists
• Event Facility Monitors
• Swim Instructors
• Aquatics Staff

Build Skills and Grow Through Service, including:

• Leadership experience
• Public safety training
• Customer service skills
• Flexible schedules

Review Employment Opportunities.

Review Summer Job Opportunities (positions list).

Review SBCC Featured Internships

Youth Career Services (Ages 14–24)

The Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board provides:

• Career exploration
• Job readiness training
• Paid work experiences
• Career coaching
• Workforce development programs

Review Youth Career Services (County Workforce Board).