The Youth Fellows program and Youth Board provide high school students with hands-on civic engagement and career development. Through the Fellows program and Board, you will have the opportunity to work alongside changemakers to lead the future of global learning in Pittsburgh and beyond.
The Youth Fellows program and the Youth Board are both part of the Council’s work to amplify youth voice and youth-adult partnership by developing and implementing youth-led trainings.
We want to build a program that fosters curiosity in global issues, engages and connects students from ALL backgrounds, and is a space for young people to lead, collaborate, and drive meaningful change!
Am I compensated for my time?
The Council values the time and contributions of the young people on our team. Students will receive a stipend for the term. Please see the description or FAQ for each position below to learn more.
The Council is committed to making opportunities for authentic youth leadership accessible to ALL students in the region! The Youth Fellows Program and Youth Board are primarily a virtual position, with opportunities to engage with others at in-person professional development and Council events!
As a part of this hybrid opportunity, students will…
- – Participate in a mix of in-person and virtual professional development sessions during the the summer (estimated 4 in-person meetings)
- – Engage in virtual Council work during the school year (5 hours/week for Youth Fellows, 5 hours/month for Youth Board
- – Lead in-person workshops for adults and educators (estimated 3-5 in-person workshops)
- – Attend regularly scheduled meetings with their team lead and/or board subcommittee
- – Collaborate with other Youth Fellows and Youth Board members
- – Attend in-person Council events and serve as an ambassador in your school and community
Virtual accommodations can be made for students without access to reliable public/private transportation or who live outside of the Greater Pittsburgh Area, including Global Minds students.
It is required that Fellows and Board members own or have access to equipment that enables them to participate in remote, virtual work. This includes a laptop or personal computer, a device with webcam capabilities, and stable, reliable WiFi. If this poses a barrier, please reach out to youth@worldpittsburgh.org.
Please be sure to review the full Youth Fellows position descriptions:
For more information, check out our FAQ.
Questions? Contact youth@worldpittsburgh.org.
Meet our 2025-26 Youth Fellows and Youth Board members!
Youth Fellows
Humna A. — Programming Youth Fellow
I’m a rising senior at Franklin Regional High School. I was first draw to the Council’s commitment to global learning and amplifying youth perspectives, both of which are crucial to addressing the global issues of our time. As a Youth Fellow, I look forward to helping create spaces and programs where young people can engage with global issues and gain the skills to play a meaningful role in decision-making. In my free time, I enjoy baking with my younger sisters and trying new coffee shop. In the future, I hope to become a physician-policymaker working at the intersection of gender and health disparities.
Mylo M. — Youth Voice Fellow
I’m a senior at the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School and a student pilot, athlete, and youth advocate passionate about mental health, anthropology, and anything STEM. I was drawn to the World Affairs Council because I am interested in how access, education, policy, and advocacy can help disadvantaged students feel safer and more supported in their schools and communities. As the youngest commissioner in Pennsylvania on the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement, I advise the Executive Branch on issues affecting Pennsylvanians ages 16-26. I am also a Student Council President, GSA Vice President, a Glisten Research Assistant, and on the Work2BeWell NSAC. I love martial arts, reading, ice skating, studying history and STEM topics, cooking, and traveling!
Annjila P. – Global Minds Youth Fellow
I am a rising senior at Baldwin High School! I was drawn to participate in the Youth Fellows program because I wanted a chance to make a greater impact in the community. I believe adult-youth partnership and youth advocacy is so powerful in making a vast influence that promotes positive change while ensuring all voices are heard. I look forward to making meaningful connections, networking, and building the skills to someday get a career that continues to make a difference!. Through this journey I hope to gain more insight into many cultures and different perspectives by collaborating with diverse groups of people!
Youth Board
Devin B.
I’m a rising senior at Moon Area HS. I applied to the Youth Board because I’m passionate about youth advocacy, global affairs, and creating opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. As a Youth Board member, I hope to contribute my leadership, public speaking, and community service experience while learning from others. In my free time, connecting with nature, playing and listening to music, and spending time with my friends and family.
Niiara D.
My name is Niiara, and I am a rising sophomore at Upper St. Clair High School. I was first interested in participating in the World Affairs Council, when I had no experience in collaborating with new individuals, no experience in international affairs with professional associations, no experience in cooperation with adults who would take you seriously. Eventually my curiosity drew me to join this fun and new experience where I can improve myself in every aspect of my life. During my free time, I like to communicate with my friends and watch different movies with subtitles, because my goal is to learn as many languages as possible. Currently, I speak Kyrgyz, Russian, and English. Ultimately, I look forward to gaining new friendships and experiences as a youth board member.
Adham H.
I am a rising senior at Upper St. Clair High School with interests in STEM, global learning, and leadership. I was drawn to apply for the Youth Board because I want to take the experiences and ideas I’ve developed through research, volunteering, and global education programs and apply them in a real-world setting that creates impact. As a Youth Board member, I hope to contribute new ideas, strengthen youth voice, and collaborate with students from different backgrounds. Outside of school, I enjoy playing sports and hanging out with friends and family. Living abroad helped me become more open-minded and interested in international collaboration. In the future, I hope to pursue a career connected to healthcare and innovation.
Jake M.
I’m a rising senior at Quaker Valley High School and I applied to the Youth Board program because I’m interested in civic engagement and want to be part of spaces where young people’s perspectives are actually considered in community discussions. I’m involved in youth leadership and civic programs, which has shaped how I think about collaboration, decision-making, and public issues. As a Youth Board member, I hope to contribute a thoughtful student perspective and help strengthen how the program connects with and engages young people in a meaningful, accessible way.
Arjun P.
As a rising senior at North Allegheny, I’m excited to be back with the Council for another year. My initial pull towards the World Affairs Council came as a freshman, when I discovered an organization driven towards change with youth and the world. As a Fellow, I was able to attend a variety of events, promoting youth voice and organizing opportunities for growth. Now, as a board member, I hope to continue working alongside a wonderful group of youth leaders in the Pittsburgh area, inspiring and bolstering the community.
Lehv S.
I’m a rising Senior at Pittsburgh CAPA. I was interested in the World Affairs Council because of its acknowledgment of the importance of youth voice and hope to share my voice in the position while also highlighting other youth voices at the same time. Additionally, on the board, I hope to learn from others and grow my skills in leadership and advocacy. In my spare time I enjoy reading, watching movies, and seeing theater.
Tiya S.
I’m a rising senior at Quaker Valley High School. I’m passionate about advocacy and am interested in foreign services and international relations. For me, the Youth Board program is a lovely way to practice essential skills required in these fields and get experience making an impact in my community. I’m excited to foster change through collaboration with students and adults throughout the region, gaining insight from diverse perspectives and helping amplify unheard voices. I lead my school’s Cultural Alliance and Asian Student Association, participate in Mock Trial and Model UN, and enjoy track and field, tennis, and writing.
Ella S.
I am a rising sophomore at City Charter High School with a deep interest in social justice and global affairs. I was drawn to the World Affairs Council’s Youth Board because I want to better understand how international decisions affect our own neighborhoods and add my voice to those conversations. For me leadership is about collaborating with others to create real change. My long-term goal is to pursue a career in pediatric anesthesiology, where I can combine my love for working with children with a drive to provide compassionate care that ensures health equity for all, no matter their background. In my free time, I enjoy singing, reading, and listening to gospel music.
Elena X.
I’m a rising junior at North Allegheny Senior High School. I was first drawn to the World Affairs Council because of the platform it gives to youth perspectives on pressing global issues that shape every aspect of our world. As a Youth Board Member and last year’s Youth Voice Fellow, I hope to continue to share my experiences as a youth journalist and advocate with SLB Radio, the Pittsburgh Chinese Association Youth Center, and the PA Youth Advocacy Network to further equitable youth voice and intergenerational decision making in the Pittsburgh and global community. I am a strong believer in empowering our future generations to grasp the issues of today to solve the problems of tomorrow. In my free time, I enjoy travelling with family, trying new foods, and learning new languages!