SNP deputy leadership candidate Keith Brown wants to establish a youth academy within the party.
He said it would mirror the organisation’s women’s academy and help engage and encourage younger members.
Mr Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, said he had been “inspired” by the energy, imagination and ambition shown by youngsters during the independence referendum campaign.
“We have to do more to encourage our younger members, not because they are the experienced campaigners of tomorrow but because they are the youth campaigners of today,” he added.
“I’m proposing that the party creates a youth academy to bring in the bright, clear voices and allow them the opportunity to make sure that they continue to make a big contribution in the future.
“I’m contacting the leaders of the youth groups which campaigned in last month’s referendum and inviting them to join me in creating new party structures that will give younger members of the SNP the opportunity they need to help shape the future direction of the party.”
Mr Brown, Scotland’s transport minister, is competing for the position against Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie and Angela Constance, MSP for Almond Valley and Cabinet Secretary for Training, Youth and Women’s Employment.
Nicola Sturgeon, MSP for Glasgow Southside, is to date the only person hoping to replace Alex Salmond as SNP leader and first minister of Scotland.