Young people bring an important perspective to our local government. That’s why King County makes a concerted effort to recruit them to our local advisory boards so they can offer advice and oversight over funds that directly impact children and young people just like them.  

The Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account (PSTAA) supports investments for early learning facilities, K-12 community-based supports, as well as college, career, and technical education. The PSTAA Advisory Subcommittee oversees these investments to improve educational outcomes. Ashlyn Sanchez, Pearl Malhi, and Sophia Dang are three young adult members who serve on this subcommittee and give a voice to our youth. 

“It’s important to have youth voices in the Subcommittee to have a greater perspective on what it is like now to be a student and on what it’s like now to go through the education system,” said Ashlyn, who has been on the subcommittee since 2021. 

The young adult members bring their own recent, personal experiences navigating challenges and successes in high school and college.  

“When I was in school, especially as an immigrant, it wasn’t easy for me to learn a lot of aspects. It was such a new culture… I struggled in classes and financially. I wasn’t a lucky one. I didn’t have anybody. A lot of times I wasn’t getting that support. Within that system I was doing as much as I could,” said Pearl, on the subcommittee since 2021. 

Young adult members offer County staff guidance on key aspects of PSTAA strategies. Being part of the group gives young adults real chances to impact programs serving children, youth, and families in King County.  

“It’s very direct, which I think is very cool,” said Sophia, who’s served on the subcommittee since 2024. “We get to see the outcome of actual projects. We get to meet the people who oversee [these programs] and they tell us about it. It’s just very hands on and I like that we see the results… It takes time, but I like that there’s a direct impact.”  

Young adult members want to help younger students to have an easier time making it through school. 

“Youth is such an important stage in real life,” Pearl said. “A lot of young adults or youth out there do not have a lot of resources. I just think that youth is where it starts and that’s where support is needed.”  

As she participates in the Subcommittee, Ashlyn thinks about the young people in her own life, including her sister.  

“I want to make things easier for her, and I have a lot of connections with younger students. I see their goals and want to make it a tad bit easier. There’s support that is missing at times, that students don’t get or don’t know where to get,” Ashlyn said. 

Sophia has felt supported by programs and opportunities in King County and values the opportunity to give back.  

“I grew up around this area. I know the people, the places. Just being a product of this community, being on the Subcommittee feels full circle. The community helped me and it’s time to give back to younger kids.” 

For more information on how you can get involved, visit the website.  

About PSTAA 

PSTAA was created in 2015 by the Washington State Legislature. It directs Sound Transit 3 related funds to be used to improve educational outcomes. In King County, PSTAA partners with the community to address inequities in the education system. PSTAA works to help youth and families facing the most challenges have access to a good education and do well.