The Buffalo County Youth Advisory Board began in 2000 with over 50 Buffalo County youth engaged in building a model youth board that would encompass all Buffalo County communities. Youth in 7th-12th grade, from the following communities can serve on the board: Amherst, Pleasanton, Elm Creek, Ravenna, Gibbon, Shelton, Kearney, Kearney Catholic, Sumner-Eddyville-Miller.

YAB Community Outreach

YAB works to help people understand that youth can solve problems in their own communities. Youth-to-Youth Grants is one way YAB demonstrates and empowers youth involvement in Buffalo County. Youth are encouraged to develop and implement programs to meet a need in their community. Grant funds up to $1,000 are available to youth who need funding to implement their project. To secure a grant application, click on the “Grants” tab in the menu.

YAB Education and Training

YAB works to increase youth participation and recruit new board members. YAB ensures that each Buffalo County community is represented by a youth member. New youth members receive training on Environmental Strategies to impact change in their community. YAB decides on issues they feel they most likely will have an impact. YAB has focused on youth tobacco and alcohol use.

YAB Collaboration

YAB develops new and innovative solutions to build a healthier community. In 2008 and 2009, YAB was awarded a Governor’s Safe and Drug Free Grant to implement a youth developed and youth driven media campaign. The youth chose “Take a Stand” as their campaign slogan and worked with Scorr Marketing to develop the campaign.