'We Just Want to See People Like Us'

Community engagement is essential for responsive public health efforts, yet youth engagement remains an emerging practice. This study evaluates a statewide youth and young adult council established as part of a public health initiative addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). We conducted interviews (n = 14) with council members and staff, and analyzed post-meeting surveys over 18 months to assess the council’s impact on a public awareness campaign and on its participants. Council members reported high satisfaction, with experiences exceeding expectations. Satisfaction was attributed to the council’s meeting structure—featuring opportunities for discussion, participation, and youth leadership—and to administrative flexibility that accommodated members’ needs. Feedback for the campaign emphasized authentic representation and avoiding the medicalization of ACEs; staff found this input actionable and influential in shaping campaign materials. Key mechanisms underpinning effective youth engagement included empowerment, co-production, and trust and reciprocity, aligning with international literature. Limitations include a small sample size, single-site design, and reliance on self-reported data. Findings offer concrete recommendations: youth engagement initiatives should prioritize youth-led, dynamic sessions, professional development, and flexible support to maximize participation. Future research should employ comparative, multi-site, or longitudinal designs to strengthen the evidence base for youth advisory models in public health.