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Learn More About Our Youth Advisory Council
The New York State Inspector General’s inaugural Youth Advisory Council will bring together eighth-grade students from across the state for six virtual sessions exploring government oversight, public service, and the role they can play in shaping government. Sessions will be held on Wednesdays, October 7 through November 11, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Each session will be organized around a guiding question, combining presentations from OIG staff with group discussion and interactive student activities. Over the course of the program, students will develop and refine a brief presentation, individually or in a small group, to deliver during the final session on November 11. Presentations will respond to one of the following prompts:
How can New York State government work better for the people it serves?
If I were the Inspector General for a day, what would I investigate?
Tentative Program Schedule
Week 1: Welcome and Introduction to OIG
Wednesday, October 7 | 4:30–6:30 p.m.
YAC Members will meet OIG staff, review the workshop format and program expectations, and learn about OIG’s mission, jurisdiction, and role in New York State government.
Week 2: What Does Integrity Mean to You?
Wednesday, October 14 | 4:30–6:00 p.m.
YAC Members will explore the meaning of integrity through an introduction to OIG’s work and examples from several policy and investigative areas.
Week 3: Why Is Public Trust in Government Important?
Wednesday, October 21 | 4:30–6:00 p.m.
YAC Members will learn how OIG investigators, auditors, attorneys, and forensic specialists work together to examine government operations, uncover misconduct, and strengthen public trust.
Week 4: How Is Government Held Accountable?
Wednesday, October 28 | 4:30–6:00 p.m.
YAC Members will follow the path of a complaint, from its submission and initial review through investigation, referral, and resolution.
Week 5: Why Are Transparency and Public Outreach Important?
Wednesday, November 4 | 4:30–6:00 p.m.
YAC Members will examine how transparency and public outreach help build trust in government, including how OIG communicates its work through public reports, the media, and social media.
Week 6: Presentations & Closing
Wednesday, November 11 | 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Each YAC Member will give a presentation on how NY State government can work better for the people it serves and/or what they'd investigate if they were IG for a day.
Eligibility
The Inspector General’s inaugural Youth Advisory Council is open to eighth-grade students who attend school in New York State and have completed, or are currently enrolled in, a United States history or government course. Applications are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis through Friday, September 18, 2026.