Youth Engagement

The India Philanthropy Alliance believes that the active engagement of youth—especially second and third generation Indian Americans—is essential to the future of American private philanthropy benefitting India.

As a concrete first step toward engaging youth, IPA launched its annual youth essay competition in 2020. Since then, hundreds of middle and high school students have identified and researched what they deem to be the most pressing developmental issues facing India today, and advocated ways in which we, as U.S. citizens, can be a part of the solution.

Shortly after launching the Youth Essay Competition, IPA engaged in a year-long process of distilling best practices for effective engagement of youth and young professionals from sources within and outside of our network. A summarized version of those guidelines was published as a two-part series by the Chronicle of Philanthropy in late 2022 and early 2023. Part one was titled “How Nonprofits Can Better Engage Young People” and part two was titled “Tips for Creating a Young Professionals Program.”   The full guidelines are available upon request.

India Giving Day, an annual campaign of the India Philanthropy Alliance, celebrated its first success in March 2023 with the help of the newly developed Youth Leadership Council. Since then hundreds of young people have taken an active role in furthering India’s development by volunteering with a participating nonprofit, hosting a fundraiser, spreading awareness, or supporting the efforts of their chosen nonprofit.

Opportunities for Youth and Young Professionals

Aarti for Girls has in-person and online volunteer opportunities for those who want to support their work in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh. Student volunteers have spent one month to a year in Kadapa helping Aarti’s daily operations, while those at home have contributed from a distance by offering online workshops. Visit Aarti for Girls to learn more.

Agastya USA has volunteer opportunities open to college students and beyond. If you’re interested in tutoring or programs like the Young Instructor Leader, you can apply once you’ve completed high school. Learn more here.

Akanksha Education Fund’s volunteer programs are open to those 18 years and older. If you’re a younger student interested in getting involved, Akanksha encourages you to reach out directly over email to explore possibilities.

Akshaya Patra Foundation USA has a Youth Ambassador Program that empowers young changemakers to take an active role in the global movement to end classroom hunger. Youth Ambassadors lead local outreach events, social media campaigns, and peer education activities that inspire their communities to take action. By joining the Youth Ambassador Program, students become part of a vibrant network of compassionate leaders committed to ensuring no child is deprived of education because of hunger.

America India Foundation (AIF) offers an array of programming for young professionals, college students, and high school students. Young Professionals (YPs) represent the next generation of globally minded, social-impact-driven leaders and engage their communities through events and initiatives that advance AIF’s mission, amplify its impact, and foster meaningful connection. AIF’s Collegiate Alliance (COLA) invites college and university students to serve as ambassadors for AIF’s programs in Education, Livelihoods, and Public Health while deepening their understanding of global development, advocacy, and philanthropy. Youth Ambassadors are high school students who want to contribute to a more equitable India by creating and leading fundraising campaigns in support of AIF’s mission or specific initiatives.

Antara International’s partner organization in India runs the Antara Foundation Fellowship, a post-college opportunity for young professionals interested in public health and development.

Arogya World Arogya Clubs are after school programs at schools and youth centers that emphasize student engagement, peer leadership, and family involvement. Launched in 2025, the Atlanta pilot of Arogya Club is led by six high school students and aims to bring awareness to healthy eating, exercise, and diabetes awareness. Click here to learn more.

ATREE offers multiple internships for students in college and beyond focused on environmental conservation, climate resilience, policy and rural development. Click here to learn more.

Children’s Hope India has three Children Helping Children chapters led by high school students in Long Island, Manhattan, and New Jersey. If you live in one of these regions, you can apply to join and support Children Hope India’s programs for children in need. Children’s Hope India also runs a young professional network in New York City that raises funds and builds community around Children Hope India’s mission.

Child Rights and You America: To volunteer at one of CRY America’s 21 action centers throughout the US, visit here or write to volunteers@cryamerica.org. CRY America’s action centers are led by volunteers who raise awareness and funds for the cause of underprivileged children. Volunteers come from different walks in life and play a key role in the success of the organization. Regular recognitions such as “Best CRY Walk” and “Student Appreciation Certificates” are offered. 

Pratham USA provides several ways for young people to contribute. Their summer Readathon challenges young people aged 4-18 with 30 days of reading while supporting Pratham’s learning programs. The Spark Leadership Program  is a 10-day immersive experience for high school and college students held at a Pratham Center near Aurangabad, India each summer. High school and college students can also start or join their own Pratham youth chapter to fundraise and raise awareness for Pratham within their school and community. Young Professionals (YPs) can serve on Young Professional Boards or join other YPs for events in cities across the United States. 

Sehgal Foundation invites students to consider S M Sehgal Foundation's internship program (Internships in Rural Development). Receive hands-on experience with rural development challenges in agriculture development, water management, women's empowerment, local participation, and more. Obtain skills in your field of study that will enhance your professional life. Learn more here or contact  sf-usa@smsfoundation.org. 

Vibha has several opportunities for youth volunteers. Middle and high school students can join Vibha Youth, start a chapter in their city, or connect with a nearby Action Center. College students can explore Vibha U, a university network of student-led chapters.

Vicente Ferrer USA (VFF USA) At VFF USA youth volunteers strengthen their leadership and communication skills through hands-on experiences in grant writing, volunteer coordination, and community event planning. They also contribute to projects that promote social impact and rural development in India. If you are interested in volunteering with VFF USA, please fill out their Volunteer Interest Form or contact them at info@vffusa.org.