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 offers multiple ways for youth to get involved. Students can volunteer with their local chapter to support daily operations, join the Young Leaders Program (open to ages 8–25) to contribute and earn the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, or participate in the  Young Leaders Collective, a six month program for emerging leaders who have a desire to leverage their skills for social change. Learn more here.

America India Foundation (AIF) has a Youth Ambassador Program for high school students. There is a competitive application process in which you can apply as an individual or on a team with two other individuals. If accepted, Youth Ambassadors design and implement fundraising campaigns to support any of AIF’s programs. 

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.

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: To volunteer at one of CRY’s 25 action centers throughout the US, or to meet virtually, click here. CRY America’s action centers are run completely by volunteers and offer recognitions such as “Best outreach” or “Student Action Center of the Year" annually.

Pratham USA provides several ways for young people to contribute. Their summer Readathon pairs young people age 4-18 with 30 days of reading while supporting Pratham’s learning programs. The Spark Leadership Program  is a 10-day immersive experience held in Aurangabad, India each summer. There are also activities for high school and college students in Pratham Chapters across the country.

Sehgal Foundation offers internships for college and graduate students focused on agriculture, water, and community development. Interns face real world challenges in various facets of rural development and acquire helpful skills to enhance their professional life. Learn more here.

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.