The High School Youth Action Team (HSYAT) program was created by the Community Services Department in response to recommendations presented in the Department’s 1990 Youth Alcohol Access Report. To collect the necessary information for the report, Staff conducted several community forums that included adult and youth participants. During the discussions, participants recognized the value of input offered by the young people of the community. As a result, staff recommended the formation of the youth advisory group to the City and The Youth Action Team was created.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

The HSYAT strives to creatively respond to the needs and interests of the teens of our community. We accomplish this mission by involving youth in the process of identifying and responding to teen/community issues and engaging them in positive and productive activities. The HSYAT is currently comprised of the following Programs and Services...

VOLUNTEER PROJECTS
HSYAT provides teens with the opportunity to become involved in the community through volunteer service projects. Projects include working with the youth, elderly, environment, families in need, animals and special events. Studnets can get involved with HSYAT volunteer projects by joining the HSYAT club at their high school.

CAMPUS CLUBS
HSYAT offers on-campus clubs at every high school in Irvine. These clubs provide students with information about upcoming volunteers projects, special events, community news and school campaigns. HSYAT clubs meet every other week during a school break period or lunch.

SPECIAL EVENTS
HSYAT provides students the opportunity to socialize and interact with their peers through a variety of special events.  Events include Battle of the Bands, dances, benefit concerts, break dance contests, comedy shows, open mic nights and many more.

TEEN FORUMS
HSYAT hosts teen forums throughout the year which provide students the opportunity to discuss their opinions on a variety of topics that are important to them. Forum topics may include substance abuse prevention, cultural diversity, stress management, health and wellness, global issues, college preparation, financial literacy and other important topics.

TEEN SUMMIT
The HSYAT Teen Summit is a student-organized youth development conference hosted once a year in spring. Teen Summit is open to all high school students and includes breakfast, lunch, keynote speakers, entertainment and a variety of workshops on teen-related topics.

PREVENTION ACTIVITIES
HSYAT is committed to educating teens about making healthy and positive decisions. HSYAT prevention activities address topics of underage drinking, drug use, tobacco use and other illegal and harmful sustances. HSYAT is a proud partner of Irvine Community Drug Prevention, Irvine Prevention Coalition and Irvine Unifed School District.

SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES
The City of Irvine Community Services Department will recruit and select 1-3 student representatives from each high school in Irvine. HSYAT representatives serve a one-year term and act as liasons between the teens and adults in the community. The HSYAT representatives are called upon by elected officials, staff, business leaders and community organizations to answer questions regarding teens. The students selected will develop, plan and implement activities, projects and events for their peers during their term.

High School Youth Action Team
Contact: Steve Knollmiller (949) 724-6739

sknollmiller@ci.irvine.ca.us