The NYU Metro Center, in partnership with the University of Michigan, Algorhythm, Coro New York, and NYC DOE is conducting a four year, three-cohort, mixed methods study that examines whether and how youth leadership councils (YLCs), a type of youth-adult partnership, foster developmental competencies and critical consciousness, both of which are associated with school engagement and later postsecondary outcomes. This longitudinal study allows us to track the first cohort for three years, the second cohort for two years, and the third cohort for a year, giving us time to understand how youth developmental competencies and critical consciousness change through YLC participation. Specifically, we will work closely with Coro New York and NYC DOE staff to document a detailed theory of change that reflects the opportunity structure provided by the YLCs and the anticipated outcomes for youth leaders. By collecting qualitative, quantitative, and observational data, theExploring Leadership Councils Study (EYLC) study will advance scholarship, policy, and practice by clarifying whether and how youth leadership councils (YLCs), impact critical consciousness, developmental competencies, and school engagement among youth.