Purpose, Mission and Scope:

The Chamber of Commerce Youth Board exists to engage, develop, and elevate young leaders by connecting students with the local business community, fostering civic responsibility, and preparing the next generation of professionals, entrepreneurs, and community advocates.

Vision

To create a foundation of informed, skilled, and service-minded young leaders who actively contribute to the economic vitality and civic life of Huntington.

Board Components

The Youth Board is an advisory and action-oriented body composed of high-achieving, community-minded high school students who illustrate the following:

· Serve as a bridge between youth and the business community

· Provide a student perspective on workforce, education, and economic initiatives

· Support the Chambers mission through programming, outreach, and service

The Youth Board operates under the guidance of the Chamber of Commerce and collaborates with:

· Chamber leadership and staff

· Local business owners

· Community organizations

· Schools and partners

Prioritized initiatives

1. Small Business Promotion & Support

Objective: Elevate Visibility and engagement for the local businesses of Huntington, particularly those seeking to connect with younger audiences.

Responsibilities:

· Feature local businesses via social media spotlights, interview series, and digital storytelling

· Support chamber events

· Collaborate with small businesses to amplify promotions, events, and community involvement

2. Career Exposure & Job Shadowing Programs

Objective: Expand access to career exploration opportunities by connecting students directly with local employers

Responsibilities:

· Assist in organizing job shadowing opportunities for local students, career insight sessions, and host events promoting community engagement possibilities for Huntington youth

· Server as a liaison between schools, students, and Chamber member businesses

· Promote internships and mentorship opportunities

· Work with local businesses to create more learning opportunities for students–simultaneously assists businesses with personal potential projects

3. Chamber Social Media & Digital Engagement

Objective: Strengthen the Chamber’s online presence

Responsibilities:

· Create youth led content for Chamber social media platforms

· Assist with content ideas, event promotion, and business features

· Increase engagement through platforms commonly used by students and young professionals

· Support digital outreach for chamber initiatives, programs, and events

4. Advisory & Leadership Role

Objective: Provide Insight, innovation, and leadership from a youth perspective.

Responsibilities:

· Advise Chamber leadership on youth engagement strategies

· Participate in select chamber meetings and events

· Develop leadership, professionalism, and civic responsibility among members

· Uphold the mission and values of the Chamber of Commerce

Selection process

All applications will be evaluated based on:

· Leadership potential

· Commitment to service

· Professionalism

· Diversity of experiences and areas

Both the Chamber president and youth board presidents will review each application thoroughly and decide.

The selected candidates will be honored and inducted to the Youth Advisory Board at a Chamber event in 2026.