Teen Leadership Council
HealthPartners is committed to youth development by elevating the voice of young people within our organization and the community.
The Teen Leadership Council (TLC) is a year-long opportunity for high school students across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin who are interested in health and wellbeing. The program develops the next generation of resilient leaders by amplifying youth voices and giving youth a platform to make change in their communities.
What students in the TLC do
- Public health workshops where teens will work with public health professionals to explore how many different factors can influence our community’s health.
- Volunteering to help make a difference and give back to the community.
- Consulting so students can be a voice of change by sharing insights that impact real-life programs and projects.
- Leadership skill building where TLC members explore personal strengths and develop skills that will help them grow as leaders.
- Team bonding activities to connect, collaborate and build relationships with other teens.
Engage teens in your work
Community partners can submit a request for the Teen Leadership Council to consult on a project or program.
"The TLC is important to teens because it helps us get more perspective on issues happening in our communities. Being able to collaborate with teens from other communities, build ideas and create leadership opportunities together is an amazing and rewarding experience."
There are many benefits to participating in the council.
- Gain leadership skills and enhance youth development competencies
- Become leaders in creating a culture of health
- Feel confident and empowered to make a difference in your communities
- Practice collaborating with and mobilizing your peers
In order to join the Teen Leadership Council, teens must:
- Be 14-19 years old
- Live in the Twin Cities metro, St. Croix Valley or western Wisconsin
- Be interested in improving the health of our communities
Time and commitment
Members of the TLC will participate about 2-4 hours per week from September through May. All members receive incentives for their time, commitment and participation.
Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month from 6-7:30 p.m. at HealthPartners Neuroscience Center in St. Paul (295 Phalen Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55130). If needed, we can provide transportation assistance to meetings.
“We're a generation of big dreamers. We see things not just how they are, but how they can be.”
How to apply to the Teen Leadership Council
The three-step application process can be finished entirely online. All steps must be completed by Sunday, June 18, 2023.
Step one: Register for and attend a virtual information session
All applicants are asked to attend a virtual information session on Zoom where you’ll learn more about the TLC and get answers to your questions. Register in advance for the session that works best for you.
- Wednesday, 5/24 from 6:00-6:45 PM |
Register here - Thursday, 6/1 from 6:00-6:45 PM |
Register here - Monday, 6/5 from 6:00-6:45 PM |
Register here - Thursday, 6/15 from 6:00-6:45 PM |
Register here
If you have trouble attending one the sessions, please reach out to Andrea Anderson at
Step two: Complete the online application
Fill out the application form, including the demographic questions, and a written or video statement.
Step three: Submit a letter of recommendation
Ask an adult who knows you well to complete the online letter of recommendation form.
2023-2024 Program orientation and kick-off
We’ll let applicants know if they’ve been accepted to the TLC by June 30, 2023. After being accepted, members and their parents or guardians will be invited to orientation and kick-off meetings.
- Virtual orientation for parents and guardians: August 8, 2023, 7 p.m.
- TLC member kick-off and orientation: August 23, 2023, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Catch up with the Teen Leadership Council
Our monthly newsletter, written by members of the TLC, shares what they've been up to the last several months. Check it out and stay connected!
Contact us
For more information, contact