CADCA’s National Youth Council (NYC) provides an opportunity for meaningful collaboration between young leaders and adults. Following a Community of Practice model, NYC gives youth members a platform to represent their peers, serve as ambassadors for CADCA, and grow as leaders while highlighting the importance of youth voices.

The NYC is a group of motivated young people who help guide CADCA’s youth engagement initiatives. As a member, you’ll have the chance to share your voice, give feedback, and help shape new tools, trainings, and initiatives that support Drug-Free Communities coalitions in engaging youth in substance misuse prevention. In the 2024-2025 program year, NYC members represent 15 states and Puerto Rico.

Applications are now open for the 2026 cohort.

We’re inviting youth who have participated in substance use prevention activities in the past, have shown leadership in their school or community, and are passionate about uplifting other youth leaders in the prevention field. Applicants must be between 15-18 years old, have past experience in substance misuse prevention, and be able to commit to a term from February 2026 to July 2027. 

Apply by February 11.

Meet the 2024-2025 Cohort