The Youth Fellows and Youth Board programs provide high school students with hands-on leadership and career development. Through the Fellows program and Board, young people 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!
As a part of this hybrid opportunity, students…
- 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
Questions? Contact youth@worldpittsburgh.org
Meet our 2025-26 Youth Fellows and Youth Board members!
Youth Fellows
Alan F. — Global Minds Youth Fellow
I’m a current student from West Aurora High School in Illinois. What motivated me to apply for the 2025-26 Youth Fellow position is my passion for leadership and amplifying youth voices, particularly from a Chicago perspective. As the leader of the Global Minds club, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that diverse perspectives and voices can have on our community. Through this fellowship, I aim to grow as a leader by developing my skills, learning from others, and collaborating with like-minded individuals.
Arjun P. — Programming Youth Fellow
I am a rising junior at North Allegheny Senior High School. The spreading of equality in all aspects is crucial to me. Whether this be youth equality, legal equality, or a different form, I am dedicated to ensuring my community follows that standard. In modern day, this is more important than ever. I am ecstatic to be on the forefront of the designing, planning, coordinating, and executing Council programming, amongst other duties. I am involved in Student Council, Model UN, and many other programs.
Elena X. — Youth Voice Fellow
I’m a sophomore at North Allegheny Intermediate High School. I was first drawn to the World Affairs Council because of the platform it gave to youth perspectives on issues that shape every aspect of our world. As a Youth Fellow, I hope to share my experiences as a youth journalist and advocate with SLB Radio and the PA Youth Advocacy Network to further amplify youth voices in the Pittsburgh community and beyond. In my free time, I enjoy travelling with family, trying new foods, and learning new languages.
Lyla S. — Communications Youth Fellow
I am a rising junior at Avonworth High School. While most things I do revolve around space, I’ve done everything from being a tour guide to organizing a blood drive! I was drawn to this position due to my love for culture, law, government, and all things global, as well as my interest in propelling the world into a space-oriented future. I am so excited to work with the World Affairs Council, as I hope to be able to spread the word about the amazing work that we do. I believe that a globally focused present allows us to have a future in the stars!
Youth Board
Brady B.
I am a student at Chartiers Valley High School. Since middle school I have been involved with my school’s Global Minds chapter which sparked my interest in working with the World Affairs Council. I really enjoy educating myself about foreign affairs and hope to expand global learning with the council. Hearing about other people’s backgrounds and cultures can give us new perspectives on the world. The diversity in our area is so valuable and I hope to promote cohesion within the community.
Dara F.
I’m a student at Taylor Allderdice High School. I was drawn to apply for the Youth Fellows program because I want to be more engaged in Pittsburgh’s community and help uplift and connect diverse voices across the city. Through working with the World Affairs Council, I look forward to helping create inclusive spaces where young people from all backgrounds feel heard, valued, and empowered. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in marketing or communications, where I can combine creativity with meaningful community impact.
Humna A.
I’m a rising junior at Franklin Regional. As a Pakistani-American student passionate about global equity, I’m thrilled to be part of the Youth Board and work alongside peers and adults equally committed to shaping a more inclusive world. I founded Blessings Beyond Borders to support hospitalized children in Pakistan and serve as the Chief Marketing Officer for Everyone STEM to spread free STEM education across 11 countries. My global health research through the Global Health Systems Empowerment Network has made me even more passionate about creating social change through evidence-based advocacy.
Kailyn P.
I’m a student at Burgettstown High School. I was drawn to apply for the Youth Board program when my school guidance counselor posted the opportunity and I knew that it would be a good, helpful way to bring youth voices to life. My goal in being a part of this program is to bring youth and adult voices together. In my free time I like to play piano, do nails, read, and write. When I graduate high school and get through college, I would like to be a Forensic Psychologist.
Laurence P.
I’m a senior at Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh with a strong passion for civic engagement and making a difference in the world around me. I’ve worked on projects like Everest, a youth-led initiative to make financial literacy more accessible, and Table Talk, a community effort that brings immigrant families together to share meals, practice English, and build connections. As a Youth Board member, I’m excited to collaborate with other passionate students, share meaningful ideas, and contribute a thoughtful youth perspective to important conversations.
Lehv S.
I am a student at Pittsburgh CAPA in the musical theater major. I was interested in applying to be a Youth Board member because of the opportunities this position could give me to further my impact on Pittsburgh and my community. I hope this position will allow me to promote the voices of those unheard in Pittsburgh such as youth in my community and my school. In my free time I read plays, watch old movies, and drink coffee.
Nia A.
I’m a senior at Brentwood. I am passionate about having an inclusive community, and I am always looking for more ways to involve myself in ways that make a difference like the World Affairs Council does. I’m looking forward to helping make a positive impact in Pittsburgh and gaining knowledge and experience through this program that I can carry with me after. In my free time, I enjoy baking, hanging out with my friends, and listening to music on walks.
Noshi D.
I’m currently a student at Upper St. Clair. I was initially interested in applying to the Youth Board because of my interest in global affairs and community work. I hope to create a real impact in Pittsburgh through my work and collaborate with the other members. In my free time, I love to go out with my friends and listen to music.
Trévon G.
I’m a 9th grader at Pittsburgh Obama Academy. My two favorite subjects are reading and science, and I usually maintain high honor roll. I enjoy dealing with technology, being outside with nature and spending time with friends and family. What inspired me to be a Youth board member is a chance for me to build and help my community while giving newfound opportunities for people as a whole. What I hope to gain is a better understanding of what my city needs and how we can implement it safely and effectively.