The Programs and Services Committee on Wednesday voted to forward four nominees for the Newton Youth Commission to the full City Council for final confirmation.

The committee heard brief statements from the nominees — Evie (Evelyn Shea), Layla Gustin, Naman Delani and Armin Freeman — about their interest in representing young people and promoting civic engagement. Each nominee described priorities including youth mental-health awareness, climate education and substance-abuse prevention and said they hoped to foster greater youth involvement in local government.

“I'm interested in the Youth Commission because I believe that I represent a lot of groups of the Newton youth that are usually underrepresented,” said Evelyn Shea, who said she goes by “Evie.” “One of my passions is speaking up for the people and wanting to make change in the world where I see fit.”

Armin Freeman, who identified themself as a junior at Newton South High School and said they had previously served on the commission, said the commission offered an opportunity to amplify youth voices and collaborate with community organizations.

Mary Haas, assistant director of Youth and Young Adult Services for the City of Newton, told the committee the city maintains a “robust advisory board” and encouraged the nominees to attend commission meetings and participate in upcoming events, including a youth civics event scheduled for Feb. 25.

After the introductions and a brief round of questions from councilors — including a query about how the commission could improve civic education and reach more students — Councilor John Oliver moved approval of all four nominations. The committee answered “aye” on the motion; the committee’s favorable recommendation will be placed on the full City Council docket for its Jan. 21 meeting.

The committee’s action is a procedural recommendation; the City Council makes the final appointments.

The nominees were told they need not attend the full council meeting in person but may if they wish. Haas said the youth commission posts its meetings publicly and would welcome nominees' continued engagement.

Votes at the committee were taken by voice; the committee did not record a roll-call tally in the committee transcript.

The nominees will appear on the City Council agenda for confirmation on Jan. 21.