The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is a group of young people striving to vocalize the needs and strengths of youth by serving as ambassadors on behalf of a public health program. The mission of YAB is to empower and express ideas of youth, and to bridge the gap between the state and the youth of their communities.
The roles of a YAB member include participating in discussions with public professionals in the field about program improvement/implementation and how to actively engage youth by using Positive Youth Development. The YAB will be a resource for feedback on ideas, sharing their thoughts on current events, and making sure the program staff is effectively communicating information to youth.
Phone: (908) 722-4900
Email: info@empowersomerset.com
Website: www.empowersomerset.com
Kids in grades 7-11 are invited each Friday night through the school year for Planet Y, where they can enjoy our Open Gym to play any sport they’d like, the fitness center where they can receive an equipment orientation, and the pool when available. Friday nights may also include organized basketball games/tournaments.
Planet Y is free for Y members and just $3 per night for community members.
Youth and Civic Engagement Programs
The Y’s Youth Civic Engagement programs give young people a platform to affect real, positive change within the community. Middle and high school students in grades 6 – 12 are invited to participate in one or more of these programs that will expand knowledge and experience in:
Local, state and international affairs
Real world problem solving
Community service that matters
Sound research practices
Public speaking
Phone: (908) 630-3535
Website: https://www.gscymca.org/
The Middle Earth Community Youth Centers provide youth a safe, structured, and supervised place during out-of-school hours to gather for fun activities, interact positively with their peers, learn life skills, and talk to caring adults. Any and all Somerset County youth between age 12-18 are welcome at the Centers. Special services are offered to youth who are engaging in risky behaviors, who have poor school attendance or performance, who are experiencing difficulties, or who need extra support.
Phone: (908) 725-7223
Email: office@middleearthnj.org
Website: http://www.middleearthnj.org/services/life-skills-support-recreation
Free monthly family activities and volunteer opportunities.
Phone: (908) 722-4400
Email: fsc@empowersomerset.com
Website: https://www.pioneerfsc.com/
Somerset County 4‑H is built on the principles of community, leadership, and teamwork to help guide our youth towards independent success. Through clubs, camps, events, and volunteer opportunities, 4‑H youth between K–13 (one year out of high school) are provided opportunities to grow into confident, resilient, and proud leaders.
Phone: (908) 526-6644
Established to develop leadership skills and to give youth a forum where their ideas and concerns can be expressed and conveyed to the Board of Chosen Freeholders. Members are actively solicited from middle schools and high schools (both public and private) in Somerset County. Activities of the council are coordinated by the students to promote youth leadership. Youth Council members develop ideas for programming that can be implemented in the community.
Phone: (908) 704-6307
Email: avilesquinones@co.somerset.nj.us
Website: https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/human-services/operations-planning/youth-council